How Not to Look Old: Fast and Effortless Ways to Look 10 Years Younger, 10 Pounds Lighter, 10 Times Better
From Publishers Weekly
Krupp, style expert for the Today Show and former beauty director for Glamour, offers easy-to-follow, tried-and-true fashion advice for women well beyond their 20s. Presented in eye-catching, highly skimmable, fashion-magazine style, here’s how to trade in the things that scream old lady (simply OL in the book) for a look that’s younger and hipper (Y&H). Krupp is straightforward about the physical shortcomings of older age. Aptly (and sometimes rather brutally) she steers readers away from these OL pitfalls. She is quick to point out that fashion that works on 20-somethings looks ridiculous on older women (i.e., bare midriffs, go-go boots and tattoos). As much about what to do as what not to do, some o…
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You know 40 is the new 30 when Diane Keaton, Annie Hall herself, is photographed wearing skin tight jeans and a big black leather belt. So the rest of us better be on alert.
That said, I have very mixed feelings about this book. I’ve read at least a dozen beauty/style books, I’m 38 and I’m no slouch in the maintenance department. I subscribe to More magazine, which is how I learned about the author. After buying this book, I’ve learned a little more about Mrs. Krupp: namely, she spending thousands and thousands of dollars on her appearance. For example, she’s spent $1,200 on a pair of eyeglasses. She considers you “low maintenance” if you do not get Botox. Gee, thanks. I can see how this might make a reader doubt her hard won self esteem.
While she does hit the mark about what potentially looks aging, it’s a one size fits all approach. She says dark hair always adds on the years, so lighten your hair two shades. What if we’re Asian or simply don’t want to be blonde? (Note the author’s hair shade.) Some of her suggestions are downright odd: don’t wear ballet flats. And contradicted: don’t wear Uggs. Okay, so what are her models wearing on the back page? Uggs. And annoying: the goal is to be “Y&H” (Young and Hip). Individuality, anyone?…anyone? Plus, most of the models are barely 21 and perfect. Not helpful.
But I did get some good tips: don’t wear red fingernail polish, don’t let your skirts get too long or baggy, how to shop for the right pair of dark wash jeans, try bangs and highlights, plastic eyeglass frames are more youthful than wire, etc.
So give this book a try but also give yourself a break.
There are plenty of fashion books and magazines on the market but very few are specifically geared towards the over 40 set. But today’s aging baby boomer population is looking better and younger than ever – and authors are beginning to take notice. Books such as Bobbi Brown’s “Living Beauty” dispense sage advice on how to age gracefully and still look slick despite a few wrinkles or gray hairs.
Charla Krupp’s newest offering “How Not To Look Old” is one of the best (if not the best!) books for women who are aging but don’t want to hang up the jeans and become a frump in elastic pants and helmet hairdos. Written in a friendly and conversational tone, Krupp points out all the little things that can make one look old and dated but then kindly shows you how to hide the flaws and look “up to the minute” but not like you are “trying too hard”. There are suggestions for hair (grow it out, get some bangs, etc.), teeth (whiten them, veneers, flossing, etc.), makeup (lighten up the foundation, switch to cream blush, etc.), clothing (skirts should hit just below the knee, avoid high rise jeans, etc.) and more! At the end of each chapter, she lists favorite products, designers, and stylists. It’s a brilliant book and Krupp sure knows her stuff – she’s been in the beauty industry for years and writes an excellent column for “More” magazine, which is written for women who are mature and savvy.
I’m going to put a few of her suggestions to use – specifically cutting my waist length gray hair (parted in the middle!) into something chicer and less “old hippie”. This will be a big scary change for me but after reading this book, I realize how passé and aging it really is. I’ve already ditched the dark lipstick and the powder blush and have to say, she is right. I am recommending this book to all my friends!
(By the way, this is a book on fashion only – there is no exercise routine, vitamin recommendations, etc.)