F: Is for the fabulous of More

If most people were given one wish if you are over 39 your wish would be to go backwards in time. Instead of celebrating the trials and tribulations of your life, the lines and the wrinkles of time, we find ways to hide. If we are honest in this world we are judged by age and for a Women that means you are down hill at 39. I always thought God got it wrong. If we were born old and got younger by the year, Men would not look for trophy wives and or that younger girlfriend to make them complete. Women would not become insecure each year as to what would befall them, look for the newest plastic surgery to compete or fret that their job was going to over throw them for a newer cheaper employee. I for one am thrilled that a magazine like More exists. This magazine celebrates life and Women over 40. Life doesn't end it begins again and we are who we are by the things we have experienced. To kick off this philosophy for the 7th year More and it's editor and chief Peggy Northrop threw Wilhelmina's 40 plus model search. 42nd streets Ciprani hosted the event that was an electric blend of confident women and the Men who clearly appreciate them. Hors d'oeuvres of veal ravioli, carpaccio, and a host of mouth watering treats awaited as Bellini's were passed out to all of us who were there to honor these incredible Women. Ranging in age from 41 to 56 and selected from more than 16,000 entries in a nationwide search they strutted the fashions of Carmen Marc Valvo down a catwalk with an audience cheering them on. Awaiting three lucky winners a Wilhelmina modeling contract and a prize package worth more than $85,000. All 10 finalists were winners according to the comments of all those around me. Everyone had their own favorites but in the end it was Paula O'Connor, 41 an Oncologist from San Francisco, Steffi Jo Chapin, 42 Doctor of Optometry from Terra Ceia, Florida and Patricia Neville, 50 a sales manager for a clothing company and director of development for a women's shelter from Miami, Florida. And the winner is... Patricia who will be featured in June's issue. These 10 women all had one thing in common a lifelong dream of becoming a model. Dreams do not die because we get older they just get buried and for these Women unearthed. To quote Peggy Northrop "Women are catching up to men. Now we have all of this economic independence. There's a kind of confidence that comes when you're in your 40s and 50s, and men find that incredibly attractive.” To quote me "Beauty is ageless and it is in the confidence that radiates from knowing that". This contest just proves me right. March's cover model Angela Bassett was on hand to host this event and to share her confidence. Radiating that inner beauty. Supporting her, husband Courtney Vance. Their new book "Friends: A Love Story" has made headlines due to their celibacy before marriage. Vance recalls, "We knew this relationship was special so we decided to abstain from sex until after we were married." But Bassett reveals, "It wasn't easy. Actually, one night, I did beg Courtney to give in." At 48 Bassett is making waves, standing up for what she believes and "Gettin her Groove on". Sponsoring this event Garnier, Talbots, Baume & Mercier and ROC. I mention this because in the gift bag was a product from ROC that I have grown to love. Daily microdermabrasion cleansing disks. I have never used soap on my face it leaves me feeling like I grew a second skin and I never understood that. Water was always just fine, but my skin has changed. The dirt in the air has changed and water is no longer pure. These little pads get rid of all that while wiping away all the dried cells that just hang on and then replenish and moisturize. Along with the lotion from Townhouse my skin has a new lease on life. My column this week is dedicated to those who show us how to rise from the embers of what society deems is over the hill and to make it a F.A.C.T. that life doesn't end at 40 but begins.