ASTRA Awards | Gala Girl

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Black-Tie Events, Decoded

What to wear. How to prepare.
Confidence for galas, fundraisers, and formal events.

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Edie Ellis in a midi dress at a gala

Edie Ellis in a midi dress at a gala

Can You Wear a Midi Dress to a Gala?

Sometimes you can wear a midi dress to a gala, depending on whether it is evening appropriate

The Gala Girl

2 days ago2 min read

Edie Ellis at the 2023 ASTRA Awards

Edie Ellis at the 2023 ASTRA Awards

Awards Season 2025-2026: The Return of Armor and the Rise of Undone Glamour

Metallic gowns and structured shoulders result in a look of modern armor for the red carpet in the 2025-2026 awards season

The Gala Girl

3 days ago3 min read

Anchor 1

Gala Girl is a guide to formal events.

Not just what to wear, but how to think about the room you’re walking into. Dress codes, context, etiquette, and the small details that make you feel prepared instead of uncertain.

If you’ve ever read an invitation and thought:
What does this actually mean?
What does everyone else wear?
Am I doing this right?

That’s what I’m here for.

You can explore the evergreen guides at galagirl.social and join the newsletter for weekly updates, awards season coverage, and event lists. #gala #blacktie #awardshow #charityevent

Gala Girl is a guide to formal events.

Not just what to wear, but how to think about the room you’re walking into. Dress codes, context, etiquette, and the small details that make you feel prepared instead of uncertain.

If you’ve ever read an invitation and thought:
What does this actually mean?
What does everyone else wear?
Am I doing this right?

That’s what I’m here for.

You can explore the evergreen guides at galagirl.social and join the newsletter for weekly updates, awards season coverage, and event lists. #gala #blacktie #awardshow #charityevent

I created Gala Girl because formal events can feel intimidating when you don’t grow up knowing the codes. And I’ve learned that most people in those rooms are quietly wondering the same things.

What to wear.
What the dress code really means.
How to feel comfortable.
How to enjoy it.

This is not about perfection or performance. It�’s about perspective. It’s about walking into the room feeling like you belong there.

If that sounds like you, welcome.
You can explore the guides and join the newsletter at galagirl.social. #gala #blacktie #awardshow #charitygala

I created Gala Girl because formal events can feel intimidating when you don’t grow up knowing the codes. And I’ve learned that most people in those rooms are quietly wondering the same things.

What to wear.
What the dress code really means.
How to feel comfortable.
How to enjoy it.

This is not about perfection or performance. It’s about perspective. It’s about walking into the room feeling like you belong there.

If that sounds like you, welcome.
You can explore the guides and join the newsletter at galagirl.social. #gala #blacktie #awardshow #charitygala

People assume tickets to events like this are only for celebrities, insiders, or influencers.

There are actually a few legitimate paths in, and I’m happy to share what worked for me.

Comment “how” and I’ll message you.

If you’re curious about how formal events work from the inside, you’ll like what I’m building here. #grammys #grammyawards #awardshow

People assume tickets to events like this are only for celebrities, insiders, or influencers.

There are actually a few legitimate paths in, and I’m happy to share what worked for me.

Comment “how” and I’ll message you.

If you’re curious about how formal events work from the inside, you’ll like what I’m building here. #grammys #grammyawards #awardshow

My early take on this year's Awards Season fashion. It's on Substack, link in my bio. Please subscribe! #awardseason #redcarpetfashion @hollywoodcreativealliance #awardshow

My early take on this year's Awards Season fashion. It's on Substack, link in my bio. Please subscribe! #awardseason #redcarpetfashion @hollywoodcreativealliance #awardshow

Short, simple explanation in the newsletter, link in bio. #blacktie
#gala #gown #blacktiewedding
#blacktieaffair

Short, simple explanation in the newsletter, link in bio. #blacktie
#gala #gown #blacktiewedding
#blacktieaffair

Gala Girl is your calm guide to black-tie events — what to wear, how to prepare, and how to feel confident walking in.
If you’ve ever second-guessed a dress code, you’re in the right place.
Join the newsletter — link in bio.

#blacktie
#gala
#formalwear
#charitygala
#eveninggown

Gala Girl is your calm guide to black-tie events — what to wear, how to prepare, and how to feel confident walking in.
If you’ve ever second-guessed a dress code, you’re in the right place.
Join the newsletter — link in bio.

#blacktie
#gala
#formalwear
#charitygala
#eveninggown

Subscribe to my newsletter at galagirl.substack.com

#Gala #outfit #lotd #lookoftheday #style

Subscribe to my newsletter at galagirl.substack.com

#Gala #outfit #lotd #lookoftheday #style

Gala Girl is moving!
A quick note to let you know that Gala Girl’s newsletter has moved to Substack, so everything arrives cleanly in one place.
Going forward, I’ll be sending all emails from Substack — including guidance on black-tie events, what to wear, and how to prepare for galas with confidence. Galagirl.substack.com

Gala Girl is moving!
A quick note to let you know that Gala Girl’s newsletter has moved to Substack, so everything arrives cleanly in one place.
Going forward, I’ll be sending all emails from Substack — including guidance on black-tie events, what to wear, and how to prepare for galas with confidence. Galagirl.substack.com

Super enjoyable women, wine and wardrobe event supporting #dressforsuccess, with @sharaunb at #salesforcetowerchicago

Super enjoyable women, wine and wardrobe event supporting #dressforsuccess, with @sharaunb at #salesforcetowerchicago

The @cinemafemme_community celebrated a great short film festival at the @musicboxchicago and I was thrilled to be a part of it. Thanks @ebbcinemaflow and everyone involved. And thanks to @renttherunway for several nice looks!

#Gala #outfit #lotd #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #renttherunway #Dress #glamourous #glamorous

The @cinemafemme_community celebrated a great short film festival at the @musicboxchicago and I was thrilled to be a part of it. Thanks @ebbcinemaflow and everyone involved. And thanks to @renttherunway for several nice looks!

#Gala #outfit #lotd #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #renttherunway #Dress #glamourous #glamorous

At the AARP #moviesforgrownupsawards at the Beverly Wilshire. It will air on PBS February 23. #gala

At the AARP #moviesforgrownupsawards at the Beverly Wilshire. It will air on PBS February 23. #gala

I was a seat filler at the Grammys and was literally standing next to Stan Shields when he took this photo of Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Billie Eilish. What a fantastic event! I feel truly blest! #grammys #rtrinsiders

I was a seat filler at the Grammys and was literally standing next to Stan Shields when he took this photo of Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Billie Eilish. What a fantastic event! I feel truly blest! #grammys #rtrinsiders

At #theastraawards #redcarpet

At #theastraawards #redcarpet

The red carpet at #theastraawards is busy this evening and the awards show starts soon!

The red carpet at #theastraawards is busy this evening and the awards show starts soon!

As Winston Churchill said over and over: “Never give up.” The Human Rights Campaign embodies that for LGBTQ, and it’s appropriate that the Chicago dinner is this week, of all weeks. @humanrightscampaign #gala

As Winston Churchill said over and over: “Never give up.” The Human Rights Campaign embodies that for LGBTQ, and it’s appropriate that the Chicago dinner is this week, of all weeks. @humanrightscampaign #gala

So thrilled to be at the 56th @thejeffawards with Nick Ellis. We love Chicago theater! And this is more fun than the Tony’s!

#Gala #outfit #lotd #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #jeffawards #jeffawards2024 #thejeffawards

So thrilled to be at the 56th @thejeffawards with Nick Ellis. We love Chicago theater! And this is more fun than the Tony’s!

#Gala #outfit #lotd #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #jeffawards #jeffawards2024 #thejeffawards

At the @lwvchicago Democracy at Risk Film Festival with Becky Simon, President of the Illinois League. Great festival, great organization!

At the @lwvchicago Democracy at Risk Film Festival with Becky Simon, President of the Illinois League. Great festival, great organization!

The @humanrightscampaign National Dinner was amazing, and it was great to meet co-chairs Jordan Barth and Katie McCrystal, and Ryan King. Enjoyed being with colleagues from @united for a wonderful evening

#Gala #outfit #lotd #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40

The @humanrightscampaign National Dinner was amazing, and it was great to meet co-chairs Jordan Barth and Katie McCrystal, and Ryan King. Enjoyed being with colleagues from @united for a wonderful evening

#Gala #outfit #lotd #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40

At the Women Employed Working Lunch supporting better opportunities for women and particularly women-of-color in the workplace! #womenemployed

At the Women Employed Working Lunch supporting better opportunities for women and particularly women-of-color in the workplace! #womenemployed

The Chicago Reader is an important local voice and deserves wide support. It’s now a non-profit and held its second annual fundraising Ungala last night (dress code: Yellow). With a print run of 60,000 and 1,200 steel newspaper boxes across Chicago, plus a growing online presence, the Reader leads in Arts, Theater, and Music reporting. Support the Reader! #ungala #gala #yellow @chicago_reader @epiphanyarts201

The Chicago Reader is an important local voice and deserves wide support. It’s now a non-profit and held its second annual fundraising Ungala last night (dress code: Yellow). With a print run of 60,000 and 1,200 steel newspaper boxes across Chicago, plus a growing online presence, the Reader leads in Arts, Theater, and Music reporting. Support the Reader! #ungala #gala #yellow @chicago_reader @epiphanyarts201

Red Carpet at the #jeffawards Excited for all the nominees and winners! #jeffawards2023 #gala #awardsshow

Red Carpet at the #jeffawards Excited for all the nominees and winners! #jeffawards2023 #gala #awardsshow

#nawbochicago held its 40th anniversary celebration of achievement and it was a super event led by the incredible Melissa Lagowski!

#nawbo #outfit #lotd #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover40 #FashionOver60 #agelessstyle

#nawbochicago held its 40th anniversary celebration of achievement and it was a super event led by the incredible Melissa Lagowski!

#nawbo #outfit #lotd #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover40 #FashionOver60 #agelessstyle

#jeffawards knows how to throw a party! It’s a fabulous celebration of theater in Chicago! Congratulations to all the nominees!

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#perfectnightout #style #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager #gala #redcarpet #redcarpetfashion

#jeffawards knows how to throw a party! It’s a fabulous celebration of theater in Chicago! Congratulations to all the nominees!

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#perfectnightout #style #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager #gala #redcarpet #redcarpetfashion

The Hollywood Critics Association 2023 Film Awards event was held on February 24 and here is a photo montage of red carpet looks (including me, yes). I particularly loved Lukita Maxwell, Jenny Slate and Kate Hudson gowns! And what a fantastic awards show!

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#perfectnightout #style #redcarpet #redcarpetready #chicover50 #chicover60 #FashionOver60 #classywoman #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous

The Hollywood Critics Association 2023 Film Awards event was held on February 24 and here is a photo montage of red carpet looks (including me, yes). I particularly loved Lukita Maxwell, Jenny Slate and Kate Hudson gowns! And what a fantastic awards show!

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#perfectnightout #style #redcarpet #redcarpetready #chicover50 #chicover60 #FashionOver60 #classywoman #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous

The 50th Annie Awards were Feb 25 and despite 2 inches of rain and 45° weather, the show went on! The reception and after-party are usually held outdoors, and because of the weather, hastily erected tents kept everyone mostly dry. The show itself is at Royce Hall at UCLA, an auditorium large enough to seat the many people involved in animating some of the most fantastic movies and TV shows ever. It was really nice to chat with Nora Twomey who was nominated for My Father’s Dragon and Pete Docter who received a Winsor McCay award for his 30-year career developing Pixar. Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, actually presented the award to Docter which recognizes how important Pixar is to Disney and the industry. .
#elegantevening #nicelegs #nudeheels #dressedup #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #gala #annieawards2023 #annieawards #cartoonsaloon #pixar #petedocter #noratwomey

The 50th Annie Awards were Feb 25 and despite 2 inches of rain and 45° weather, the show went on! The reception and after-party are usually held outdoors, and because of the weather, hastily erected tents kept everyone mostly dry. The show itself is at Royce Hall at UCLA, an auditorium large enough to seat the many people involved in animating some of the most fantastic movies and TV shows ever. It was really nice to chat with Nora Twomey who was nominated for My Father’s Dragon and Pete Docter who received a Winsor McCay award for his 30-year career developing Pixar. Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, actually presented the award to Docter which recognizes how important Pixar is to Disney and the industry. .
#elegantevening #nicelegs #nudeheels #dressedup #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #gala #annieawards2023 #annieawards #cartoonsaloon #pixar #petedocter #noratwomey

The Hollywood Critics Association 2023 film awards show at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel was a delightful, intimate and well-run event. HCA is relatively new, less than 10 years old, and the emcee, Tig Notaro, made light of that. But. I think HCA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is unique in Hollywood and I love it!
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#perfectnightout #style #redcarpet #redcarpetready #chicover60 #FashionOver60 #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous

The Hollywood Critics Association 2023 film awards show at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel was a delightful, intimate and well-run event. HCA is relatively new, less than 10 years old, and the emcee, Tig Notaro, made light of that. But. I think HCA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is unique in Hollywood and I love it!
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#perfectnightout #style #redcarpet #redcarpetready #chicover60 #FashionOver60 #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous

Thrilled to attend another gala this week, supporting education in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. #outfit #perfectnightout #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

Thrilled to attend another gala this week, supporting education in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. #outfit #perfectnightout #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

With Gloria Materre, Habitat Chicagoland board Chair at First Look for Charity at the #chicagoautoshow Habitat does incredible work putting deserving people in homes, including many veterans #habitatchicagoland #habitatdrives #outfit #perfectnightout #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

With Gloria Materre, Habitat Chicagoland board Chair at First Look for Charity at the #chicagoautoshow Habitat does incredible work putting deserving people in homes, including many veterans #habitatchicagoland #habitatdrives #outfit #perfectnightout #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

So nice to be at the First Look for Charity Gala and supporting Habitat for Humanity! #habitatdrives #outfit #perfectnightout #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager #habitatchicago

So nice to be at the First Look for Charity Gala and supporting Habitat for Humanity! #habitatdrives #outfit #perfectnightout #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager #habitatchicago

Does it cost a lot to attend a big gala? It might, if you attend a major star-studded charity ball with well-known celebrities. But it doesn’t have to. There are lower priced, lesser known galas all across the country that you can attend for not much more than a regular night out on the town. I called them starter galas, and I blogged about this on my website.

https://www.galagirl.social/post/going-to-a-starter-gala

#BallGown #RedCarpet #Gala #Glam #Glamour #GlamourHair #GalaStyle #Blogger #chicago #casinonight #imermanangels #jamesbond #ritahayworthgala #celebrityfightnight #ritawilson #rebamcentire #muhammadali #billycrystal #scottsdale #phoenix #librarylions #newyorkcitylife #party

Does it cost a lot to attend a big gala? It might, if you attend a major star-studded charity ball with well-known celebrities. But it doesn’t have to. There are lower priced, lesser known galas all across the country that you can attend for not much more than a regular night out on the town. I called them starter galas, and I blogged about this on my website.

https://www.galagirl.social/post/going-to-a-starter-gala

#BallGown #RedCarpet #Gala #Glam #Glamour #GlamourHair #GalaStyle #Blogger #chicago #casinonight #imermanangels #jamesbond #ritahayworthgala #celebrityfightnight #ritawilson #rebamcentire #muhammadali #billycrystal #scottsdale #phoenix #librarylions #newyorkcitylife #party

A Gala can be a good place to meet a celebrity, perhaps a star of stage or screen, or an author or just someone you've always wanted to meet. It's a good idea to be prepared to actually talk to that person. I wrote about this in my Gala Girl blog. Go to galagirl.social to read more. #AwardShow #BallGown #RedCarpet #Gala #Glam #Glamour #GlamourHair #GalaStyle #Blogger #kathleenturner #chicagointernationalfilmfestival #chicago

https://www.galagirl.social/post/so-i-was-excited-to-meet-kathleen-turner

A Gala can be a good place to meet a celebrity, perhaps a star of stage or screen, or an author or just someone you've always wanted to meet. It's a good idea to be prepared to actually talk to that person. I wrote about this in my Gala Girl blog. Go to galagirl.social to read more. #AwardShow #BallGown #RedCarpet #Gala #Glam #Glamour #GlamourHair #GalaStyle #Blogger #kathleenturner #chicagointernationalfilmfestival #chicago

https://www.galagirl.social/post/so-i-was-excited-to-meet-kathleen-turner

How long has it been since you went to a really big party? And I don’t mean on zoom. I mean an in person event, a Gala where everyone was dressed to the nines and stood close to each other without wearing masks. For me, the last Gala event I went to was the Annie Awards in Los Angeles, just over a year ago. When do you think Galas and parties will make a comeback? I believe we are getting close. And I’ve developed a new website that is all about going to Galas and having fun! Celebrate life with me, go to www.Galagirl.social and sign up for my email list. I’ll keep you up-to-date on what’s happening with Galas, award shows and parties.

#AnnieAwards #AwardShow #BallGown #RedCarpet #Gala #Glam #Glamour #GlamourHair #GalaStyle #Blogger

How long has it been since you went to a really big party? And I don’t mean on zoom. I mean an in person event, a Gala where everyone was dressed to the nines and stood close to each other without wearing masks. For me, the last Gala event I went to was the Annie Awards in Los Angeles, just over a year ago. When do you think Galas and parties will make a comeback? I believe we are getting close. And I’ve developed a new website that is all about going to Galas and having fun! Celebrate life with me, go to www.Galagirl.social and sign up for my email list. I’ll keep you up-to-date on what’s happening with Galas, award shows and parties.

#AnnieAwards #AwardShow #BallGown #RedCarpet #Gala #Glam #Glamour #GlamourHair #GalaStyle #Blogger

Are you one of those people who has tried and tried to lose weight but can’t seem to keep it off? I was a yo-yo dieter for years. And I begin to think that I must have lowered my metabolism to the point where just about anything I ate turned to fat. So, about seven years ago I went to #CanyonRanchLenox for a program that included nutrition and fitness training plus a thorough wellness check. The whole program was great, and even though it was pretty expensive, it was well worth it to me. Because it included a determination of my resting metabolic rate, something that I was sure was too low. Guess what? It was normal. So my question for the doctor at Canyon Ranch was, “If my metabolism is normal, why can’t I eat without gaining weight?“ She replied that the answer was somewhere else. Perhaps I wasn’t taking care to understand what I was really eating. Or maybe I wasn’t getting as much exercise as I thought. It took a while before I realized and admitted that she was right. I had to finally admit to myself that managing my weight was a matter of balancing the calories that I take in and the calories that I use every day both through my resting metabolism rate and through exercise. Now that I have the counting part correct, I realize that my metabolism is perfectly OK, and as long as I pay attention, so is my weight!
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Hope you had a fabulous derby day, and don’t try to bump anybody out-of-the-way on the final turn, or you might find out that you didn’t win!
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#Weightmanagement #CalorieDeficit #WeightlossJourney #outfit #lotd #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

Are you one of those people who has tried and tried to lose weight but can’t seem to keep it off? I was a yo-yo dieter for years. And I begin to think that I must have lowered my metabolism to the point where just about anything I ate turned to fat. So, about seven years ago I went to #CanyonRanchLenox for a program that included nutrition and fitness training plus a thorough wellness check. The whole program was great, and even though it was pretty expensive, it was well worth it to me. Because it included a determination of my resting metabolic rate, something that I was sure was too low. Guess what? It was normal. So my question for the doctor at Canyon Ranch was, “If my metabolism is normal, why can’t I eat without gaining weight?“ She replied that the answer was somewhere else. Perhaps I wasn’t taking care to understand what I was really eating. Or maybe I wasn’t getting as much exercise as I thought. It took a while before I realized and admitted that she was right. I had to finally admit to myself that managing my weight was a matter of balancing the calories that I take in and the calories that I use every day both through my resting metabolism rate and through exercise. Now that I have the counting part correct, I realize that my metabolism is perfectly OK, and as long as I pay attention, so is my weight!
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Hope you had a fabulous derby day, and don’t try to bump anybody out-of-the-way on the final turn, or you might find out that you didn’t win!
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#Weightmanagement #CalorieDeficit #WeightlossJourney #outfit #lotd #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

When I started thinking about why I gained 100 pounds in the first place, and put this daunting #WeightLossJourney in front of myself, I realized that it was partly because I was fooling myself on how many calories were in the foods I ate. Oh, I was careful in many ways. I always looked at the labels on packaged foods and tried to shy away from those with high fat or high calories. But then I might make myself a peanut butter sandwich and spread the peanut butter on so thick that the sandwich had to have three times the calories that I counted in my head. Or I put sugar on already sweet cereal! It isn’t easy to gain 100 pounds. You have to work at it. And one way I worked out it was to tell myself that it was just my metabolism, or it was because I was eating out a lot, or I just needed to get a little more exercise. But only when I admited to myself that I needed to wake up and smell the coffee, without cream, only then was I ready to change. And I still watch myself to make sure I’m counting calories correctly. And I always add 10% to what I counted each day, just in case! “Kid yourself not” as my grandma used to say.... So,I had to quit kidding myself in order to lose 100 pounds, and keep it off!
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#SheathDress #BlueDress from #CalvinKleinDress
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#lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager #WeightManagement #CalorieDeficit #happysmile

When I started thinking about why I gained 100 pounds in the first place, and put this daunting #WeightLossJourney in front of myself, I realized that it was partly because I was fooling myself on how many calories were in the foods I ate. Oh, I was careful in many ways. I always looked at the labels on packaged foods and tried to shy away from those with high fat or high calories. But then I might make myself a peanut butter sandwich and spread the peanut butter on so thick that the sandwich had to have three times the calories that I counted in my head. Or I put sugar on already sweet cereal! It isn’t easy to gain 100 pounds. You have to work at it. And one way I worked out it was to tell myself that it was just my metabolism, or it was because I was eating out a lot, or I just needed to get a little more exercise. But only when I admited to myself that I needed to wake up and smell the coffee, without cream, only then was I ready to change. And I still watch myself to make sure I’m counting calories correctly. And I always add 10% to what I counted each day, just in case! “Kid yourself not” as my grandma used to say.... So,I had to quit kidding myself in order to lose 100 pounds, and keep it off!
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#SheathDress #BlueDress from #CalvinKleinDress
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#lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager #WeightManagement #CalorieDeficit #happysmile

It’s not a straight line from fat to fit. Or at least it wasn’t for me. After years of yo-yo dieting left me well over 250 pounds, my doctor convinced me I had to make a permanent change and lose 100 pounds. I didn’t know I’d actually do it because I had tried and failed so many times before. What made this time different? I decided it was ok to fail, as long as I got back up the next morning and showed up for the new day ready to succeed. Sounds both simple, and over-dramatic but that was it. So some days I ate too much or didn’t stick with the exercise plan. But the next day I did. Some days the scale or tape measure didn’t reward me, but I didn’t care. And there was the party on St. Patrick’s Day with all the fabulous food. Took a few days of paying close attention to make up for that. But I did. Was it because I wanted to live longer, be active longer? Or to be able to zip the blue dress? Or just to prove I could do it? It was all of the above!!!! And sometimes that’s what it takes to overcome the cycle. If you’re someone who doesn’t have or doesn’t fret about a 30+ BMI, good for you! But for those who want and need to move the needle, I can tell you that there is a place within you that contains the key. Find it. I did. .
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#weightmanagement #weightlossjourney #caloriedeficit #Gala #outfit #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

It’s not a straight line from fat to fit. Or at least it wasn’t for me. After years of yo-yo dieting left me well over 250 pounds, my doctor convinced me I had to make a permanent change and lose 100 pounds. I didn’t know I’d actually do it because I had tried and failed so many times before. What made this time different? I decided it was ok to fail, as long as I got back up the next morning and showed up for the new day ready to succeed. Sounds both simple, and over-dramatic but that was it. So some days I ate too much or didn’t stick with the exercise plan. But the next day I did. Some days the scale or tape measure didn’t reward me, but I didn’t care. And there was the party on St. Patrick’s Day with all the fabulous food. Took a few days of paying close attention to make up for that. But I did. Was it because I wanted to live longer, be active longer? Or to be able to zip the blue dress? Or just to prove I could do it? It was all of the above!!!! And sometimes that’s what it takes to overcome the cycle. If you’re someone who doesn’t have or doesn’t fret about a 30+ BMI, good for you! But for those who want and need to move the needle, I can tell you that there is a place within you that contains the key. Find it. I did. .
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#weightmanagement #weightlossjourney #caloriedeficit #Gala #outfit #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

One thing I love is a perfect night out. I love every #gala I’ve attended, every dress I wore, everyone I met, talked to, laughed with (glasses clinking). So that became one reason for #weightmanagement, because I surely have to fit into that #KarenMillen #sheathdress next week... In fact, when I start feeling an urge for a second helping, I open #eventbrite or Google and look for a good event such as the #jeffawards (non-equity) where this photo was taken. So I always have something I am going to a week from now, a month from now, six months from now to keep me motivated. I know it’s silly or vain or crazy, but it is one more motivation to help me remember my #weightlossjourney and it works for me! This weekend it will be a #derbyparty and the theater. Do you like to get fancy and go out? .
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#outfit #perfectnightout #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

One thing I love is a perfect night out. I love every #gala I’ve attended, every dress I wore, everyone I met, talked to, laughed with (glasses clinking). So that became one reason for #weightmanagement, because I surely have to fit into that #KarenMillen #sheathdress next week... In fact, when I start feeling an urge for a second helping, I open #eventbrite or Google and look for a good event such as the #jeffawards (non-equity) where this photo was taken. So I always have something I am going to a week from now, a month from now, six months from now to keep me motivated. I know it’s silly or vain or crazy, but it is one more motivation to help me remember my #weightlossjourney and it works for me! This weekend it will be a #derbyparty and the theater. Do you like to get fancy and go out? .
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#outfit #perfectnightout #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

Is it time to make a change? And I don’t mean from dark roast to light roast at #Starbucks either. Easter is about change, but other religions and cultures have similar stories this time of year that say, make a change! Maybe it’s time to give notice at your job or even change careers. Maybe it’s time to take the first step and get some exercise. Or is it time to change eating and drinking habits? You know what it is. You’ve been thinking about it, perhaps for a long time. You can always say to yourself that today is not that day. But a year from now, you’ll wish you had started today. Be the change you want. .
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#outfit #ootd #lotd #Weightlossjourney #weightmanagement #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #bestager #HappySmile #StreetChic #GirlsLikeUs

Is it time to make a change? And I don’t mean from dark roast to light roast at #Starbucks either. Easter is about change, but other religions and cultures have similar stories this time of year that say, make a change! Maybe it’s time to give notice at your job or even change careers. Maybe it’s time to take the first step and get some exercise. Or is it time to change eating and drinking habits? You know what it is. You’ve been thinking about it, perhaps for a long time. You can always say to yourself that today is not that day. But a year from now, you’ll wish you had started today. Be the change you want. .
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#outfit #ootd #lotd #Weightlossjourney #weightmanagement #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #bestager #HappySmile #StreetChic #GirlsLikeUs

When I was in the process of losing 100 pounds, the hardest thing I had to deal with was voices. Not the voices in my head telling me to have another piece of that yummy pizza. It was the voices of friends and colleagues, who may have been well-meaning, but said things that I just had to learn to ignore. Here are a few examples. .
“Have a drink with us, it will relax you.“
“You’ve lost too much weight!“ This was after I had lost only 20 pounds.
“OMG your face is too thin! You need to eat more!”
“How many times have you tried to lose weight? Why is this time going to be any different?”
“I brought two bottles of your favorite wine. I know you said you’re not drinking, but a little bit won’t hurt.“
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I could go on but you get the idea. My family was totally supportive, especially my spouse, but sometimes others just don’t know how to deal with the change. .
And when I was finished, we had to put in our Christmas letter that no, I didn’t have cancer, I wasn’t sick, I lost the weight intentionally. Because many of my friends thought the worst. So, if you’re trying to lose weight, be prepared, ask your friends to be supportive, and if they’re not just let it go.
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I am having a fabulous weekend and I hope you are too!
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#Weightlossjourney #weightmanagement #outfit #lotd #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager #happysmile

When I was in the process of losing 100 pounds, the hardest thing I had to deal with was voices. Not the voices in my head telling me to have another piece of that yummy pizza. It was the voices of friends and colleagues, who may have been well-meaning, but said things that I just had to learn to ignore. Here are a few examples. .
“Have a drink with us, it will relax you.“
“You’ve lost too much weight!“ This was after I had lost only 20 pounds.
“OMG your face is too thin! You need to eat more!”
“How many times have you tried to lose weight? Why is this time going to be any different?”
“I brought two bottles of your favorite wine. I know you said you’re not drinking, but a little bit won’t hurt.“
.
I could go on but you get the idea. My family was totally supportive, especially my spouse, but sometimes others just don’t know how to deal with the change. .
And when I was finished, we had to put in our Christmas letter that no, I didn’t have cancer, I wasn’t sick, I lost the weight intentionally. Because many of my friends thought the worst. So, if you’re trying to lose weight, be prepared, ask your friends to be supportive, and if they’re not just let it go.
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I am having a fabulous weekend and I hope you are too!
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#Weightlossjourney #weightmanagement #outfit #lotd #lookoftheday #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager #happysmile

One thing I really like about #MallWalking is the people. I’m on a first name basis with the folks who walk with me in several malls, and of course the people who work in stores notice me going by many times, and often come out and engage me in conversation. We talk about travel, fitness, nutrition, some of the same things that I post about here on Instagram. Some malls are just nicer than others, and #ParkMeadowsMall outside of #Denver describes itself as Colorado’s only retail resort. It has beautiful wood beams and a large fireplace, and a great food court with excellent choices, including some that are especially nutritious or low-calorie. And when I need to rest, it has some of the most comfortable furniture of any mall I’ve ever walked! .
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I used to say I was the youngest person walking at the mall, but now that my Medicare birthday is coming up, I’m not saying that anymore!
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#SheathDress by #laurendress
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#lotd #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

One thing I really like about #MallWalking is the people. I’m on a first name basis with the folks who walk with me in several malls, and of course the people who work in stores notice me going by many times, and often come out and engage me in conversation. We talk about travel, fitness, nutrition, some of the same things that I post about here on Instagram. Some malls are just nicer than others, and #ParkMeadowsMall outside of #Denver describes itself as Colorado’s only retail resort. It has beautiful wood beams and a large fireplace, and a great food court with excellent choices, including some that are especially nutritious or low-calorie. And when I need to rest, it has some of the most comfortable furniture of any mall I’ve ever walked! .
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I used to say I was the youngest person walking at the mall, but now that my Medicare birthday is coming up, I’m not saying that anymore!
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#SheathDress by #laurendress
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#lotd #outfitoftheday #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

Which #FilmStar do you love the best? For me it’s #KathleenTurner by far. I loved her in #PeggySueGotMarried and #RomancingTheStone among others and it was so much fun chatting with her at the #chicagointernationalfilmfestival gala last year. She is an activist and volunteer in several organizations, and one that deserves mention is #CityMealsOnWheels which delivers meals to the homebound. .
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#Gala #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager #happysmile #oscarnominee #moviestar #actress

Which #FilmStar do you love the best? For me it’s #KathleenTurner by far. I loved her in #PeggySueGotMarried and #RomancingTheStone among others and it was so much fun chatting with her at the #chicagointernationalfilmfestival gala last year. She is an activist and volunteer in several organizations, and one that deserves mention is #CityMealsOnWheels which delivers meals to the homebound. .
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#Gala #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager #happysmile #oscarnominee #moviestar #actress

I like to have a glass of red wine with dinner! But it can be challenging to fit it into a #weightmanagement program. One 8oz (1 cup) glass of #Malbec is about 300 calories, but wine pours at bars and restaurants are SO variable, how do you know how much wine is in the glass? My spouse and I went home one night after discussing this, picked out several wine glasses from our cupboard, and used a measuring cup to pour one cup of water into each. Then we took photos and put them into an album on our iPhones so we have a benchmark when we go out! As you know, one of my mantras is #youcantmanagewhatyoudontmeasure and it’s true! Enjoy your Friday night! I’m having Malbec, how about you?
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#lbd #littleblackdress #sheathdress from @baramifashion #baramifashion
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#dressedup #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #glamorous #bestager #weightlossjourney #agelessstyle #whowhatwearing #glamourous #chic

I like to have a glass of red wine with dinner! But it can be challenging to fit it into a #weightmanagement program. One 8oz (1 cup) glass of #Malbec is about 300 calories, but wine pours at bars and restaurants are SO variable, how do you know how much wine is in the glass? My spouse and I went home one night after discussing this, picked out several wine glasses from our cupboard, and used a measuring cup to pour one cup of water into each. Then we took photos and put them into an album on our iPhones so we have a benchmark when we go out! As you know, one of my mantras is #youcantmanagewhatyoudontmeasure and it’s true! Enjoy your Friday night! I’m having Malbec, how about you?
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#lbd #littleblackdress #sheathdress from @baramifashion #baramifashion
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#dressedup #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #glamorous #bestager #weightlossjourney #agelessstyle #whowhatwearing #glamourous #chic

I just finished reading #MotherAnguish which is the memoir of the amazing Basia Briggs. I met her at the #BritishPhotographyAwards in January. She survived some tremendous adversity but as she says in the book, it was a lesson, not a life sentence. Her stories are very personal, honest and real, and I think of her as a wonderfully fierce woman who made her own way out of misfortune! .
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A lesson, not a life sentence: Sometimes when I am in a difficult situation I think it will go on forever. I try to see around the corner for what’s next. How about you?
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@briggsbasia .
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#Gala #blacktie #outfit #lotd #whowhatwearing #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Sheathdress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

I just finished reading #MotherAnguish which is the memoir of the amazing Basia Briggs. I met her at the #BritishPhotographyAwards in January. She survived some tremendous adversity but as she says in the book, it was a lesson, not a life sentence. Her stories are very personal, honest and real, and I think of her as a wonderfully fierce woman who made her own way out of misfortune! .
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A lesson, not a life sentence: Sometimes when I am in a difficult situation I think it will go on forever. I try to see around the corner for what’s next. How about you?
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@briggsbasia .
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#Gala #blacktie #outfit #lotd #whowhatwearing #style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Sheathdress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

I have a question: Do you feel you are committed to being fit? Or are you just interested? For a long time I was just interested. I would gain or lose some weight, start or stop an exercise program, pick up or put down a book about fitness. .
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Then after I turned 62 a few years ago I went to my doctor for a serious checkup, because I had a lot of stress at work and wanted to make sure I was ok. When she finished, my doctor said I was in great health, heart, blood pressure, cholesterol, everything. “Except you need to lose 100 pounds,” she said. I was devastated. I knew I had gained weight but I had convinced myself it was just age, I was carrying it well, I would just slowly lose a few pounds... .
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My doctor asked me if I wanted to live an active life for another 20 years or more, because if I did, I had to be committed, not just interested, in being fit. And that was when I committed to eat less and walk more! .
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And this photo was taken about 6 months later! It was the first #bodycondress I bought.
Can you tell what fabric it’s made of?
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#sheathdress #neoprenedress from @alexevenings #alexevenings
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#weightmanagement #weightlossjourney #elegantevening #nicelegs #blackpumps #blackheels #dressedup #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #glamorous #bestager #girlslikeus #whowhatwearing

I have a question: Do you feel you are committed to being fit? Or are you just interested? For a long time I was just interested. I would gain or lose some weight, start or stop an exercise program, pick up or put down a book about fitness. .
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Then after I turned 62 a few years ago I went to my doctor for a serious checkup, because I had a lot of stress at work and wanted to make sure I was ok. When she finished, my doctor said I was in great health, heart, blood pressure, cholesterol, everything. “Except you need to lose 100 pounds,” she said. I was devastated. I knew I had gained weight but I had convinced myself it was just age, I was carrying it well, I would just slowly lose a few pounds... .
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My doctor asked me if I wanted to live an active life for another 20 years or more, because if I did, I had to be committed, not just interested, in being fit. And that was when I committed to eat less and walk more! .
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And this photo was taken about 6 months later! It was the first #bodycondress I bought.
Can you tell what fabric it’s made of?
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#sheathdress #neoprenedress from @alexevenings #alexevenings
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#weightmanagement #weightlossjourney #elegantevening #nicelegs #blackpumps #blackheels #dressedup #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #glamorous #bestager #girlslikeus #whowhatwearing

It’s Sunday and the start of a new week. Sunday is often a time for me to recommit to my goals at home, at work, and to my goals for myself! Because I record all my calories and steps, it’s easy for me to see if I am staying on track with my #WeightManagement program. This week, due to travel and meetings, I got fewer steps than planned, so today I’m hoping to get in some extra walking, especially since the weather is nicer here in Chicago, so I can create a #CalorieDeficit and start the week right. One reason I like walking as an exercise is that it doesn’t make me hungry. Friends who run, or exercise intensely another way, report to me that they are ravenously hungry when they finish exercising. That’s not true for me, I don’t feel hungry after walking, even if I walk 10 miles! How about you? Do you exercise? Does it make you hungry?
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#SheathDress by @bananarepublic #ItsBanana #BananaRepublicDress
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#style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #whowhatwearing #carrielovesdresses #bestager #StreetChic #HappySmile #mariotricoci #weightlossjourney

It’s Sunday and the start of a new week. Sunday is often a time for me to recommit to my goals at home, at work, and to my goals for myself! Because I record all my calories and steps, it’s easy for me to see if I am staying on track with my #WeightManagement program. This week, due to travel and meetings, I got fewer steps than planned, so today I’m hoping to get in some extra walking, especially since the weather is nicer here in Chicago, so I can create a #CalorieDeficit and start the week right. One reason I like walking as an exercise is that it doesn’t make me hungry. Friends who run, or exercise intensely another way, report to me that they are ravenously hungry when they finish exercising. That’s not true for me, I don’t feel hungry after walking, even if I walk 10 miles! How about you? Do you exercise? Does it make you hungry?
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#SheathDress by @bananarepublic #ItsBanana #BananaRepublicDress
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#style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #whowhatwearing #carrielovesdresses #bestager #StreetChic #HappySmile #mariotricoci #weightlossjourney

#TGIF and it’s time for a cocktail! Can you fit #cocktails into a #WeightManagement program? I didn’t give up alcohol on my #WeightlossJourney but I did set limits because alcohol doesn’t really add any nutritional value, and it can make me forget I’m trying not to gain weight! But in this photo there’s a bigger problem. I am waiting to meet friends for dinner and I am having a drink. But look what is next to the cocktail! Three bowls of snacks: olives, almonds, crackers. Together with the drink I have 1,000 calories in front of me. Should I send the snacks back? Keep one of the three snacks? Or decide that it’s a splurge and I will make up for it over the next three days by increasing my #caloriedeficit by 350 calories or so? What would you do?
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#SheathDress #lbd from #CalvinKleinDress
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#littleblackdress #elegantevening #nicelegs #blackpumps #blackheels #dressedup #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #glamorous #bestager

#TGIF and it’s time for a cocktail! Can you fit #cocktails into a #WeightManagement program? I didn’t give up alcohol on my #WeightlossJourney but I did set limits because alcohol doesn’t really add any nutritional value, and it can make me forget I’m trying not to gain weight! But in this photo there’s a bigger problem. I am waiting to meet friends for dinner and I am having a drink. But look what is next to the cocktail! Three bowls of snacks: olives, almonds, crackers. Together with the drink I have 1,000 calories in front of me. Should I send the snacks back? Keep one of the three snacks? Or decide that it’s a splurge and I will make up for it over the next three days by increasing my #caloriedeficit by 350 calories or so? What would you do?
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#SheathDress #lbd from #CalvinKleinDress
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#littleblackdress #elegantevening #nicelegs #blackpumps #blackheels #dressedup #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #glamorous #bestager

Have I told you I love coffee? There’s something about sitting in a small cafe sipping coffee with a friend that just makes life better for me. But coffee is controversial. If you google “Is coffee good for you?” you will get thousands of answers on both sides of the issue. And my coffee-drinking habits have changed over the years. So I’m going to tell you how coffee fits into my #WeightManagement program and helped me in my #WeightlossJourney to achieve my goal weight. I’d like to hear your thoughts on coffee, good or bad, yes or no, a lot or none at all!

1. Coffee “drinks” are not the same as coffee. If you order a latte, or a caramel macchiato, you might as well be ordering a chocolate milkshake because the calorie and fat content can be extremely high. For years I put half-and-half in my coffee, until my spouse kindly pointed out that I was getting about 100 calories a day from that, which is the equivalent of adding 10 pounds around my middle in a year! So I now drink it black, and love it that way!
2. It’s really important to sleep well, because we tend to eat more when we are tired. And not getting a good night’s sleep causes other problems as well. Coffee has caffeine, which is a stimulant. So a lot of people, including me, don’t drink coffee late in the evening because it affects their sleep. In my case, I generally don’t drink coffee after about 4 PM.
3. Coffee is important to my weight management program because it helps me keep walking, and it is a zero-calorie drink for me. I try not to overdo it. For a while I ordered a “redeye” in the morning at Starbucks, which is brewed coffee with a shot of espresso. But I found that the extra caffeine really didn’t help me.

So this is what works for me, how about you?
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#sheathdress #cowlneckdress from #laurendress
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#dressedup #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #glamorous #bestager #coffeedrinker #agelessstyle #whowhatwearing #glamourous #ootd #lotd #chic #sidewalkcafe

Have I told you I love coffee? There’s something about sitting in a small cafe sipping coffee with a friend that just makes life better for me. But coffee is controversial. If you google “Is coffee good for you?” you will get thousands of answers on both sides of the issue. And my coffee-drinking habits have changed over the years. So I’m going to tell you how coffee fits into my #WeightManagement program and helped me in my #WeightlossJourney to achieve my goal weight. I’d like to hear your thoughts on coffee, good or bad, yes or no, a lot or none at all!

1. Coffee “drinks” are not the same as coffee. If you order a latte, or a caramel macchiato, you might as well be ordering a chocolate milkshake because the calorie and fat content can be extremely high. For years I put half-and-half in my coffee, until my spouse kindly pointed out that I was getting about 100 calories a day from that, which is the equivalent of adding 10 pounds around my middle in a year! So I now drink it black, and love it that way!
2. It’s really important to sleep well, because we tend to eat more when we are tired. And not getting a good night’s sleep causes other problems as well. Coffee has caffeine, which is a stimulant. So a lot of people, including me, don’t drink coffee late in the evening because it affects their sleep. In my case, I generally don’t drink coffee after about 4 PM.
3. Coffee is important to my weight management program because it helps me keep walking, and it is a zero-calorie drink for me. I try not to overdo it. For a while I ordered a “redeye” in the morning at Starbucks, which is brewed coffee with a shot of espresso. But I found that the extra caffeine really didn’t help me.

So this is what works for me, how about you?
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#sheathdress #cowlneckdress from #laurendress
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#dressedup #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #glamorous #bestager #coffeedrinker #agelessstyle #whowhatwearing #glamourous #ootd #lotd #chic #sidewalkcafe

Who inspires you to live your best life? One woman who has influenced me is #christiehefner who has been a champion for diversity throughout her career, and has advocated for change across both the business and political spectrum.
And the other question is: Are you inspiring someone else to live their best life? You have value, do others see it?
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#sheathdress #cowlneckdress by #laurendress
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#elegantdress #elegantdresses #nawbochicago #reddress #nudepumps #nudepatentpumps #dressedup #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #glamorous #bestager #weightlossjourney #weightmanagement #whowhatwearing

Who inspires you to live your best life? One woman who has influenced me is #christiehefner who has been a champion for diversity throughout her career, and has advocated for change across both the business and political spectrum.
And the other question is: Are you inspiring someone else to live their best life? You have value, do others see it?
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#sheathdress #cowlneckdress by #laurendress
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#elegantdress #elegantdresses #nawbochicago #reddress #nudepumps #nudepatentpumps #dressedup #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #glamorous #bestager #weightlossjourney #weightmanagement #whowhatwearing

I sure love being able to wear this #lbd to a party, and yes, I really had to lose 100 pounds to fit into it. A book that helped me get there was #thehungrybrain by Stephan Guyenet. I hope you read it, but here is a simple takeaway on food. Our brains are not really wired for the food of today, which is much more highly processed than the foods our brains were developed for. So these three things are important: fix your food environment, manage your appetite, and beware of food rewards. Fix your food environment by not having calorie-dense foods readily at hand, but instead have raw foods or foods that need to be prepared, so it’s harder to consume a lot of calories quickly. Manage your appetite by filling yourself up on low-calorie-density foods such as vegetables, and eating regularly. Beware of food rewards such as highly processed candies, peanut butter, and ice cream. Don’t deny yourself these foods, but eat them sparingly and consciously. These three simple rules can help you reduce your calories and still be satisfied. They worked for me.
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#sheathdress from #whitehouseblackmarket
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#hotelselfie #dressedup #Gala #outfit #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #glamorous #bestager #weightlossjourney #weightmanagement #blackpumps #littleblackdresses

I sure love being able to wear this #lbd to a party, and yes, I really had to lose 100 pounds to fit into it. A book that helped me get there was #thehungrybrain by Stephan Guyenet. I hope you read it, but here is a simple takeaway on food. Our brains are not really wired for the food of today, which is much more highly processed than the foods our brains were developed for. So these three things are important: fix your food environment, manage your appetite, and beware of food rewards. Fix your food environment by not having calorie-dense foods readily at hand, but instead have raw foods or foods that need to be prepared, so it’s harder to consume a lot of calories quickly. Manage your appetite by filling yourself up on low-calorie-density foods such as vegetables, and eating regularly. Beware of food rewards such as highly processed candies, peanut butter, and ice cream. Don’t deny yourself these foods, but eat them sparingly and consciously. These three simple rules can help you reduce your calories and still be satisfied. They worked for me.
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#sheathdress from #whitehouseblackmarket
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#hotelselfie #dressedup #Gala #outfit #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #glamorous #bestager #weightlossjourney #weightmanagement #blackpumps #littleblackdresses

It may be throwback Thursday but you’re not going to see a comparison of me now versus when l looked like a whale. Why not? Because it’s all about what I do today. To manage my weight I live in the moment, I live for what is happening now. That’s why I started paying close attention to what I eat. #lindaspangle taught me that the first two bites of any food have all the flavor, all the enjoyment that I will get from eating that food. After that it’s just feeding. So try something with me. The next thing you eat, just take two bites. Savor them. Think about the texture, the smells, the sweet or sour or salty kinds of tastes on your tongue. And just stop after two bites. That’s likely a big reduction in the calories you would have taken in without giving up a food you love. .
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#cocktaildress from #alexevenings

#weightlossjourney #100daysofweightloss #weightmanagement #tbt #throwbackthursday #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

It may be throwback Thursday but you’re not going to see a comparison of me now versus when l looked like a whale. Why not? Because it’s all about what I do today. To manage my weight I live in the moment, I live for what is happening now. That’s why I started paying close attention to what I eat. #lindaspangle taught me that the first two bites of any food have all the flavor, all the enjoyment that I will get from eating that food. After that it’s just feeding. So try something with me. The next thing you eat, just take two bites. Savor them. Think about the texture, the smells, the sweet or sour or salty kinds of tastes on your tongue. And just stop after two bites. That’s likely a big reduction in the calories you would have taken in without giving up a food you love. .
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#cocktaildress from #alexevenings

#weightlossjourney #100daysofweightloss #weightmanagement #tbt #throwbackthursday #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #Dress #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

The #rivolibar at the #ritzlondon has been described as a walk-in jewelry box. Here’s what @squaremeal.co.uk said about it: “An exercise in art-deco opulence, The Rivoli Bar's elaborate jewel-box interior will make minimalists break out in hives with its gilded ceiling domes, tone-on-tone marble, camphor wood walls, swirly chandeliers, Lalique glass and leopard-print stools.” I love the white-jacketed staff, and they are totally skilled! If you go, please don’t wear jeans... Several photos show that I like to go back to The Rivoli. I meet interesting people there, from around the world. All for the cost of one drink. .
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#dresses by #dressthepopulation #guessdress #laurendress #karenmillen .
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#style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

The #rivolibar at the #ritzlondon has been described as a walk-in jewelry box. Here’s what @squaremeal.co.uk said about it: “An exercise in art-deco opulence, The Rivoli Bar's elaborate jewel-box interior will make minimalists break out in hives with its gilded ceiling domes, tone-on-tone marble, camphor wood walls, swirly chandeliers, Lalique glass and leopard-print stools.” I love the white-jacketed staff, and they are totally skilled! If you go, please don’t wear jeans... Several photos show that I like to go back to The Rivoli. I meet interesting people there, from around the world. All for the cost of one drink. .
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#dresses by #dressthepopulation #guessdress #laurendress #karenmillen .
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#style #styleover50 #fabulousover50 #chicover50 #chicover60 #50plusandfabulous #MyLook #StyleOver60 #styleover50 #styleover40 #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #FashionOver60 #over40fashion #over40style #GirlsLikeUs #classywoman #carrielovesdresses #agelessstyle #glamourous #glamorous #bestager

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