“A seasoned woman is spicy,” explains over-50-and-proud founder of Seasoned Women’s Network, Gail Sheehy. A woman turning 50 has been marinated in life experience. She is liberated, youthful and a force to be reckoned with. She knows what she wants and goes out and gets it.
Once a woman reaches the beautiful age of 50, there are a few luxuries that have been (or should be) afforded to her. By 30, a woman should own a classic LBD and a pair of sexy designer heels. By 40, a gorgeous set of luggage is in order. And by 50, she should own the world. Well, since that’s not physically possible, here are five things every seasoned woman should own.
Luxury Eye Cream That Actually Works
By now, you have probably tried every drugstore brand of eye cream known to woman to combat dark circles, puffiness and fine lines. By 50, you face new skin challenges like deeper lines, wrinkles and thinning, delicate skin. It’s time to get real with your skin care regimen and spend some money on products that actually do wonders for your look.
La Mer is a celebrity favorite that was developed by aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber who uses the sea’s healing powers to regenerate the skin. Their Eye Concentrate includes what they call ‘Miracle Broth’ and reduces puffiness, dark circles, lines and wrinkles and opens eyes to visibly smoother and more luminous skin.
A Piece of Original Art
Whether it’s black and white photography you purchased on your trip to NYC or a hand-painted original you found in a little village town in Morocco, owning original art can take you from girl to woman in an instant. There’s an art to buying art and all you need is an appreciation and a willingness to familiarize yourself with what makes art unique.
When choosing a piece to purchase consider the impact of the artist, the significance of the subject and how it makes you feel when you look at it. You can shop local galleries, online art dealers or only choose pieces you find on your travels. Once you find that perfect piece, get the right frame to draw the eye into the work, not to match your room’s color scheme.
An Everyday Designer Handbag
There is one fashion accessory that goes with you everywhere, every day. By 50, most woman have tried them all — messenger, diaper, satchel, duffel, tote, crossbody and hobo in python-skin, leather and canvas and you’ve probably chosen carried versions adorned with chains or tassels at some point. By now, you know what you want … so you should have it.
Choose a high quality bag made of durable leather in a neutral color. Whether you prefer a handbag with a graceful silhouette or an industrial edge, look for polished, practical, structured and spacious with straps and handles that offer multiple wearing options. Louis Vuitton handbags offer classic and recognizable styles.
A Statement Piece You Bought
While you may have several beautiful pieces of jewelry in your repertoire given to you by the man/men who love you dearly, there’s no better feeling than proudly showing off a fancy timepiece or pair of diamond studs that you, yourself purchased.
And we’re not talking the oversized Michael Kors you see on the wrists of 20-somethings. We’re talking a classic Chopard, diamond-studded Jaeger Lecoultre, or a statement Panthere De Cartier Ring.
A Retirement Account
If you haven’t started a retirement plan, do so. The sooner you begin, the closer you are to financial security down the road. Take advantage of 401(k) plans, traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs or any of the other savings plans available. Whether it’s through your place of employment or financial institution, by investing in your future you gain access to a wide range of investment choices and get tax advantages. Fidelity offers advice for choosing the right kind of savings plan.
A Luxury Car
Many of us spent our younger years driving economy cars that simply got the job done. If you’ve never even been behind the wheel of a luxury vehicle, it is a wonderful experience that may change how you view driving. DriveTime sells used Mercedes-Benz and Lexus vehicles that are a joy to drive.
The secret to being 50 is to embrace it. Celebrate the life you’ve lived, the wisdom you’ve gained and the future you have in store. Fifty is not the new 40 – it’s the new fabulous. Treat yourself, you deserve it.
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the above article. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
To not have a second thought about what others think of me or my actions. Jack Kerouac once said, “Live, travel, adventure, bless and don’t be sorry.” So that’s what I’ve accepted, and that’s what I’m doing.
2. What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
I am an eternal optimist. I appreciate that I don’t often let things get me down for long and when they do, I find the light in the situation and rise above. I try to help people I encounter do the same.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
After years of hard work, I feel rewarded by finally having the chance to write for a living, something I’ve been working toward since I was a wee child. It has taken time to refine my craft, and I’ll never stop doing so. I have a children’s book on the horizon.
4. We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
Over thinking things has been something I have had to work on. “It is what it is,” you have to say, right? Quirks… I generally have this unicorns, rainbows and sunshine hippie mentality that can go a little overboard at times. But I like to do it on purpose to make people laugh.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!) Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my journey and the people I’ve encountered along the way, if only for a moment in time.
