Okay…so not every 62-year-old woman sports a body like this, but Ms. Wang is living proof that frumpy does not have to be part of the aging process.

You go, girl.

If this sounds like you or someone you know, please email me at elle@mansfieldink.com.

Thanks!

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Salma Hayek in Gucci

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang

Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka

Claire Danes in J. Mendel

Jessica Alba in Gucci

Special kudos to Jane Fonda, whose body, at 74, is nothing short of magnificent.

Can we rely on a style that has served us well in the past, or is it time to rein in…to be more conservative…to turn away from high fashion—or any kind of fashion, for that matter?

Sometimes, the fear of invisibility is so great that we feel compelled to dress younger. But sometimes we just love a particular look, and there’s nothing more to it than that. It’s not about trying too hard. It’s not about an attempt to recapture one’s youth. It’s simply a matter of being flat-out crazy about something that makes us feel good when we wear it. Period.

I feel that way about my Doc Martens. Yes, some would say I’m about 30 years too old to own a pair, but that doesn’t stop me. They’re fun and comfortable and they make me smile, so I just tuck in my skinny jeans and go.

These have an inside zipper, so getting them on and off is easier than it is with the traditional lace-up ones. Also, the shiny leather on these adds a bit of polish to the usual matte-finish nubuck, which I think takes them up a notch. Or perhaps that’s simply my rationale for not being willing to let go of the motorcycle/military look just yet.

I don’t wear my Docs with skirts or dresses, so that’s something to my credit. I have a respectable collection of heels that range from Stuart Weitzman to Cole Haan to Christian Louboutin, so I know how to handle girlie footwear. But every now and then, the Docs beckon. And I always heed the call.

Bras are no better, since they have to fill so many needs: lift, support, and absence of the dreaded back bulge. Even if you’re not carrying extra weight, the looseness of skin that occurs as we age can cause a pooched-out look that is anything but flattering. Just when I thought all hope was lost, I discovered Soma Intimates.

Soma carries a lingerie line called Vanishing Edge and Vanishing Back. Panty lines are a thing of the past, thanks to breathable, stay-put silicone at the leg openings that promises—and delivers—an absolutely invisible look and a no-ride fit.

Bras offer a completely seamless, full-coverage back that smooths to absolute perfection, and are available in both lined and unlined options.

Perhaps best of all, prices are reasonable. I’ve paid close to $100 for bras that don’t even come close to Soma’s fit, flattery, and comfort. There’s a sale going on now, so it’s worth checking out.

Then one Christmas my husband gave me a pair of diamond stud earrings from Tiffany. Just seeing the little blue box made my heart race, and I was thrilled. They were set in silver, and they marked the beginning of my departure from gold. My dear friend Kim Vo had told me years earlier that people with olive skin have the advantage of being able to wear both gold and silver, so I started to experiment with the latter. Silver led to bling…serious bling…and I’ve never looked back.

I wear a lot of black and grey. I rarely wear patterns, so serious statement jewelry can make the difference between a plain, monochromatic look and a bold one. The pieces shown here aren’t very expensive—in fact, with only one exception, they range from about $30 to $125.

detail:

This is the only truly pricey piece, but since it was a tenth anniversary gift, the cost is irrelevant. (Kinda.) It’s a one-of-a-kind necklace designed by Lulu Frost, and it’s made from antique brooches.

Perhaps the best thing about bling is that it can take simple clothing to greater heights without costing a small fortune. It’s also a great way to keep clothing age appropriate without making the wearer disappear into the background.

I’ve found fabulous pieces at small, local jewelry stores…Bloomingdale’s (particularly the Aqua brand)…flea markets…online…and even at a funky little tourist shop in Omaha. To me, discovering an interesting piece at a reasonable price is like solving a crossword puzzle. It won’t change my life, but it’s certainly a satisfying experience.

On Saturday, my husband gave me the stunning plum-colored handbag on display in the middle of the second shelf. Granted, I dropped a huge hint—something like, “Honey! Look at that handbag! Isn’t it outstanding? Oh, I love it!”—and he was thoughtful enough to go back to the store a day later and buy it for my birthday.

The store in question? Maiden Lane, of course. Their selection of Brighton handbags is enough to make your head spin and your heart race. Lots of styles, sizes, and colors are available, and many of them sport an exotic metallic leather that hails straight—and exclusively—from Paris.

I can’t think of a better last-minute Christmas present!

I love giving and getting cookbooks at holiday time. To me, a cookbook is a multi-dimensional gift: the beauty of the design, the inspiration of the recipes, and the conviction that I can create those culinary masterpieces in my very own kitchen.

Cookbooks abound at Maiden Lane in Nevada City, where you’ll find bestsellers from some of the world’s most renowned chefs. Every day, you can enjoy 15% off the store’s entire selection of books–from cookbooks to travel books to coffee-table books. The inventory is constantly changing, so it’s always a new and exciting adventure.

Maiden Lane is located at 307 Broad Street in Nevada City, CA, and can also be accessed online at maidenlanenc.com.

Old-fashioned jars hold fabulous treats—like mint cookies and cream malt balls, dark chocolate ginger drops, pastel cherries, and chocolate toffee almonds. Little ribbon-tied bags make great stocking stuffers, and they’re also a sweet little gift for a special friend. Another option: I bought four varieties, put them in a pretty wooden box, and sent them to one of my clients as a thanks-for-a-great-year gift. And here’s a novel thought: buy a bag or two just for you! After all, we all deserve something perfectly decadent at holiday time.