If selling clothes is the object of fashion shows, then why are the models so tall and thin? The average Northern American woman is a size 14 at 5’4” and weighs 152 pounds (according to the department of Health and Human Services).The average model is a size 6 and is 5’10” (with measurements of 34, 24,34). (Nikki Taylor, right)

Fashion designers and beauty editors will use the excuse that the height and weight ratio of professional models show off their creations in the most flattering light. When one looks at the silver screen beauties of the 40s, 50’s and 60’s, we aren’t seeing 6’, 108lb. women.

Most of the actresses of this era were an average of 5’4” tall, yet they never appeared short and dumpy and the clothes we see them in still exude the essence of fine apparel. The primary reason for this is a true understanding of a woman’s body, it’s proportions and the use of tailoring and fitting techniques to enhance those natural attributes. Even older and fuller figured women of these time periods cut fine figures. (Joan Crawford, below, 5’1”)

True beauty isn’t necessarily being seen in the latest Dolce and Gabbana or Gucci, unless it fits your body type. Rather, the true fashionista absorbs what she sees in print and in the stores and translates it into a look that’s flattering for her.

One would think that with the majority of women not fitting the standards projected on the runway that more designers would actually address the reality that is the figures of the women who are really out there. After all they’re in the business to make money, and what better way to make money than to expand your client base.

Popularity: 9%

As a child, I grew up in the middle of nowhere. My mother was (and still is) very interested in the use of natural ingredients as remedies as well as for every day food (which I typically didn’t like).

Jewelweed was almost a staple in our home (because of the abundance of poison ivy nearby). I know for a fact that it works, because I’ve used it many, many times.

Burt’s Bees also uses jewelweed in the Poison Ivy Soap

It’s only $6.00!

I’ve actually not had Poison Ivy in many years, but based on the list of ingredients, it would be the first thing I’d reach for if I went home and the rash appeared.

In addition to the jewelweed, my mother also used comfrey in a salve of her own making. We used the salve for everything from chapped lips to scrapes and cuts. It worked! She’s since moved on to a career where she doesn’t have time to make her fabulous salve, but I’m certain she’d use Burt’s Res-Q-Ointment with comfrey to aid in her healing time.

This product’s only $5.00!

Some of the reason for the lack of expense is the size of the product. The products are made from mostly natural ingredients, because of this, their made in a size that will be used before the ingredients expire.

You can find something that you’ll be able to use from Burt’s Bees website. I think you’ll be happy you did.

burtsbees.com

Popularity: 1%

In the past, women used to use facial tapes and chin straps to keep them from getting wrinkles. For those of you who are old enough to remember (or just like old movies like me), if you recall Norma Desmond in the movie Sunset Boulevard in her bedroom all trussed up, that was actually quite common with women in the Hollywood set.

I personally believe in chin straps (as you’re suggested to use one after plastic surgery to keep everything from falling). I don’t use one (but probably should).

Here’s something fairly new that doesn’t require any special routine to slow down the wrinkle process, other than something that you’re already doing every day…sleeping!
Cynthia Boxrud’s Anti-Wrinkle Pillow

The pillow is a creative collaboration between Cynthia Boxrud MD and Scott Powell, MD (Orthopedic Surgeon). The pillow is ergonomically designed and has been clinically tested and proven to:

1. Minimize morning patterns of compression wrinkles
2. Provide a pressure free space for the eye and orbital area
3. Eliminate stiff neck and shoulder muscles
4. and protect the eye after orbital surgery

$58.00
available at cynthiaboxrudmd.com

Popularity: 2%