There’s something about the warmer weather that makes a lot of people want to go lighter with their hair, whether it’s adding caramel highlights to dark brown hair or going totally platinum. But when it comes to Lucy Hale’s new golden blonde hair, we have a funny feeling it’s for a role. The actress has gone back and forth between brown and blonde hair for years, mixing in red here and there. Though this is the lightest we’ve seen from her in a long time. And it’s gorgeous.

Hale posted her new color from London, where we assume she’s working. She could be filming her new show, Ragdoll, a six-part thriller following the case of the Ragdoll Killer who killed people and sewed their bodies into the shape of a doll. Ew. (But yes, I will watch.) It’s from the Killing Eve producers so you know it’s going to be good. It’s based on a novel by Daniel Cole.

Hale is playing DC Lake Edmunds, a new recruit to the London Met on the case. Either she needed to be blonde for the role or she’s done filming and wanted to switch it up.

Source: Instagram

Hale thanked colorist John Clark for the pretty golden blonde hue, as well as Jonny Eagland for that perfect bob. Both are from Nicola Clarke at John Frieda salon in London. Hale’s famous friends are loving the color. “Love the face color cut everything!” wrote hairstylist Scotty Cunha. “Wait oh my gosh LUCY YESSS,” said actress Bailee Madison, who looks like Hale’s little sister when they’re both brunettes. “Whoa! Lucy Monroe,” added actor Shiloh Fernandez.

We’re sure Hale is having a blast with this gorgeous gold color that brightens her makeup-free skin. But she is such a classic brunette, we’re sure she’ll be heading back that way soon.

When it comes to fashion over 60, everyone seems to have an opinion. If you want to buy a $2,000 purse, there are plenty of bloggers, “experts,” and companies willing to take your money. But, the truth is, most expensive bags won’t change your life.

The kinds are bags that will change your life are the ones that you use every day. They are stylish, but, they also serve a purpose. Here are 6 bags that no woman over 60 should live without.

How to Shop for A Bag

Totes, clutches, satchels, cross-bodies, messengers, duffles, backpacks, and more. It can get overwhelming.

No matter what type of bag you are looking for, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for your new bag. Let’s take a look at a sort of checklist to make sure that your bag fits you and your lifestyle.

Fit

Yes, fit. Make sure you try on a bag before purchasing it. Try it on with a jacket and without a jacket to see if it is too big or too small for you.

Weight

You don’t want to get a bag that weighs a ton before you even put your 40 lbs of stuff in it.

Quality

Expect to pay more for quality bags. These bags will probably last you much longer also. Check the stitching, the handles, the straps, and the hardware. Purchase the best quality you can for your budget.

Compartments

How do you like to stash your stuff? Do you throw everything in and just hope for the best when blindly reaching in for something? Most probably, if you’re like me, you like to know where things are. This is where compartments come in handy. Look inside the bag and notice how many sections it has and if it suits your needs.

A Bright Gym Bag to Remind You to Stay in Shape

What if I told you that there was a way to look better, improve your love life, protect your brain and reduce your stress? Would you be interested? No, I’m not talking about a new anti-aging treatment. I’m talking about exercise.

With your bright gym bag sitting by the door, you will be reminded to give your body the attention it deserves. Choose a bag that has plenty of room for your clothes, healthy snacks and water – but remember to choose a style that you will be proud to show off in public. After all, the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you will be to make healthy decisions.

Nike carries a very cute bright hot pink gym bag. It has a classic design and offers just the right amount of color to attract a lot of attention.

A Rugged Backpack to Help You Explore the World

Over the last 60 years, I’ve visited more countries than I can count. During this time, I’ve learned that the less you take, the more you experience. There is something magical about looking for shampoo in a country in which you don’t know the language. I can’t tell you how many shops I’ve pretended to wash my hair in. I almost always end up in stitches!

Rather than taking a tower of suitcases, why not bring a rugged backpack on your next trip? Giving yourself a limited amount of space will force you to focus on what’s important. In addition, only a rugged backpack will allow you to explore with confidence. Just make sure that you get a backpack with a hidden inner pocket for your valuables to dissuade thieves. I’m talking from experience, unfortunately!

One good example of a rugged backpack is the EJA 48 Women’s ultralight from Osprey. I love that color as well!

A Colorful Tote Bag to Show the World that You Are Visible

Does it ever feel like the world expects you to be invisible after 60? It certainly does to me! Sometimes, I don’t mind being invisible. There are few things that I enjoy more than sitting at a café, watching all of the fascinating people walk by.

At other times, I feel like showing the world that I am still a vibrant, passionate, and visible woman. This is where my colorful tote bag comes in. When it comes to fashion over 60, many “experts” recommend dark colors, like navy or black. Why not go the opposite direction and embrace boldness?

With your colorful tote bag on your arm, you will be a shining light in a sea of “sameness.” Embrace who you are and tell the world that you refuse to be invisible.

If you are a fan of Nordstrom, they carry a fantastic tote bag model offered in four distinct bright colors, including red. Keep in mind though that this bag is quite big, so you do need to be on the tall side.

A Sexy Shoulder Bag to Remind Yourself that You Look Great

One of the common myths about aging is that women over 60 don’t care how they look. Rubbish! We may not care as much about what other people think, but we still care about looking and feeling our best.

Fashion after 60 is all about finding the right balance between looking and feeling great. This is why every woman over 60 should have a sexy shoulder bag that makes her feel like a million bucks. Having a sexy shoulder bag leaves you free to choose an outfit that is comfortable and stylish.

Take a look at this adorable bag from Michael Kors. You can find it at Macy’s in a variety of colors.

A Leather Laptop Bag to Help You Stay Productive

Another common misconception about older women is that we are all ready to start “slowing down.” While it’s true that many of us experience a career stall in our 60s, this has more to do with ageism in the workplace than any deficiencies on our part.

Whether you set out on your own or continue to work for someone else, having a stylish leather laptop bag will remind you that you are still at the top of your game. Keep it sparkling clean and show it off with pride at work meetings and on business trips. You’ve earned the right to be proud of your accomplishments.

Something like this beautiful professional-looking leather laptop bag is sure to give you the confidence you need to succeed.

A Sparkly Clutch Bag, to Remind You to Stay Social

Along with exercise, one of the best things that you can do to get the most from life after 60 is to stay social. Many women in their 60s are facing changing social circumstances. Our kids have left the house. Some of us are dealing with a divorce or separation. Is it any wonder that so many of us feel lonely?

Having a sparkly clutch bag will remind you to get out there and explore the world with your friends. You don’t need to go to the opera to get dressed up. Why not invite your friends over for a cocktail party or take your sparkly clutch bag to the movies? Whatever you do, invest in your friendships now. 20 years from now, you will be glad you did!

Take a look at this sparkly clutch bag from INC International Concepts for example. You can find it at Macy’s in a variety of other sparkling color combos.

With these six bags in your closet, you will be prepared to handle everything that life after 60 throws at you. These items communicate more than your personal style. They tell the world – and more importantly, yourself – how you have chosen to live. They say that you have chosen to reject invisibility and aging stereotypes. Their colors, textures, and styles mirror the wonderful complexity and passion that fills your life.

How many bags do you own? Which styles are a must for you? Do you agree that fashion after 60 is more about finding clothes that reflect your lifestyle than following the latest trends? Why or why not? Please join the conversation.

Here’s a short video that I recorded on this topic. I hope you enjoy it!

There’s something about the warmer weather that makes a lot of people want to go lighter with their hair, whether it’s adding caramel highlights to dark brown hair or going totally platinum. But when it comes to Lucy Hale’s new golden blonde hair, we have a funny feeling it’s for a role. The actress has gone back and forth between brown and blonde hair for years, mixing in red here and there. Though this is the lightest we’ve seen from her in a long time. And it’s gorgeous.

Hale posted her new color from London, where we assume she’s working. She could be filming her new show, Ragdoll, a six-part thriller following the case of the Ragdoll Killer who killed people and sewed their bodies into the shape of a doll. Ew. (But yes, I will watch.) It’s from the Killing Eve producers so you know it’s going to be good. It’s based on a novel by Daniel Cole.

Hale is playing DC Lake Edmunds, a new recruit to the London Met on the case. Either she needed to be blonde for the role or she’s done filming and wanted to switch it up.

Source: Instagram

Hale thanked colorist John Clark for the pretty golden blonde hue, as well as Jonny Eagland for that perfect bob. Both are from Nicola Clarke at John Frieda salon in London. Hale’s famous friends are loving the color. “Love the face color cut everything!” wrote hairstylist Scotty Cunha. “Wait oh my gosh LUCY YESSS,” said actress Bailee Madison, who looks like Hale’s little sister when they’re both brunettes. “Whoa! Lucy Monroe,” added actor Shiloh Fernandez.

We’re sure Hale is having a blast with this gorgeous gold color that brightens her makeup-free skin. But she is such a classic brunette, we’re sure she’ll be heading back that way soon.

Shortly after my then-85-year-old mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, my brother and I accompanied her to meetings with several specialists. We were trying to determine what, if any, treatment would make the most sense for her.

My mother was inclined not to pursue any treatment. The only thing that concerned her was the fact that my niece’s wedding was coming up in three months. She was willing to consider anything that would let her live long enough to be there for it.

The radiation oncologist we met with recommended stereotactic radiosurgery. He explained that it would target the tumor specifically. This was instead of whole brain radiation, which would attack, well, the whole brain.

My brother, always something of a science and technology geek, asked a lot of questions about the mechanics of stereotactic radiosurgery. The oncologist replied in great detail, while my mother sat quietly. It was as if we were talking about someone else’s illness.

But, from my perspective, there was plenty the oncologist hadn’t talked about. Questions like how many elderly patients had she given this treatment to? What were the results? Were there side effects? Did the treatment improve or detract from the patients’ quality of life?

So I asked. The answers weren’t encouraging. I thought, do we really want my mother to be, in essence, a guinea pig?

You Have Every Right to Ask Your Doctor Questions

Perhaps you are facing a serious illness or managing a chronic condition. Making the right decisions depends on understanding your diagnosis, prognosis and the implications for your treatment plan. That’s the very basis of informed consent.

In the best of circumstances, you are a partner in this process. Your physician is your teacher and guide. But if your physician communicates badly, as so many do, you may find yourself lost in a haze of medical or technical jargon. You may feel rushed through a discussion or not fully understand the risks and benefits of a recommended treatment. So it’s up to you to ask the questions you need answers to, before you can proceed.

Communication Goes Both Ways

Your doctor should ask you some questions too. They should include what you already know about your condition and what you still want to know. They need to know what type of information would be most helpful to you. For example, do you want to know about statistics and research?

Your doctor should also acknowledge your emotional response as you begin to absorb possible unwelcome news. They should not let you leave without a clear idea of what the next steps should be.

The truth is, many of us really don’t fully hear and comprehend unpleasant news when we hear it. Just hearing the word “cancer,” as an example, can lead to the rest of the discussion to sound like a noisy convention of bees: bzzzzzz bzzzzz.

Doing Your Homework to Ask the Right Questions

Don’t minimize the possibility that bad news will affect you. Dramatically. Can you prepare for that possibility? It helps to understand your own style of learning. That will help you navigate through the whole process of care. You might want to write down a list of questions before your appointment. Or take notes during your meeting with your physician.

Another option is to record the conversation (thank you, digital recorders and voice recorder smartphone apps!) This allows you to review the conversation later and hear what you might have missed.

You may also want to bring someone to your appointment. Ideally this should be the person who will be involved in your care and advocating for you. This should be someone who can ask the questions that you may forget to ask as you’re absorbing the shock of unwelcome news.

How Do You Begin to Ask Questions?

One helpful source of guidance is buried deep inside the website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is some very helpful advice and videos from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. It offers lists of a number of questions for you to ask your physician about your diagnosis or condition. There is even an interactive “question builder” that you can create based on a variety of conditions. It’s now available as an app.

Basic Questions to Start With

• What will the medicine you are prescribing do? How do I take it? Are there any side effects? Will this medicine interact with medicines that I’m already taking?
• Do I need to change my daily routine?
• Why do I need surgery? How often do you perform this surgery? What are the possible complications? How is this likely to affect my quality of life?
• Are there other ways to treat my condition? What are the benefits of each option? What are the side effects? What happens if I don’t do anything?

Learning How to Talk the Talk

Communication is such a critical skill for physicians. There is, however, very little training that physicians get in medical school or in residency. Now there is a growing cottage industry using online learning, videos, social media and apps to help. This is in addition to in-person continuing education courses for doctors.

The nonprofit VitalTalk is one of the leaders in the field. It stresses that communication skills can be learned, with practice, a map to follow and feedback. Its website features videos and a dozen one-page guides that cover a range of topics. The guides are simple, clear-cut and eminently sensible.

Ultimately, my mother opted for whole brain radiation, not the stereotactic radiosurgery. It had its side effects, which we had expected, but she did get to go to my niece’s wedding. And stayed until the very end.

Have you ever had to have a difficult conversation with a doctor? Did you feel that you knew the right questions to ask? Do you think your doctor had good communication skills? Please join the conversation.

D’Andra Simmons’ Mixed Print Kimono on RHOD

Real Housewives of Dallas Season 5 Episode 14 Fashion

In case you didn’t already know, a kimono is the perfect spring-to-summer transition piece considering it can work just as well over a t-shirt and jeans as over a swimsuit as a cover up. And although y’all can no longer get your hands on D’Andra Simmons exact mixed print one from this week’s episode of RHOD considering it’s sold out, no worries because we’ve included some Style Stealers down below that are still totally a kimo-go. 

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to See Her Sold Out Alice + Olivia Kimono

Originally posted at: D’Andra Simmons’ Mixed Print Kimono