Today on a certain (I won’t name any names) social site there was an article that really made me think. At first it amused me, then it irritated me and you all know that when I am irritated, I write, so now it has inspired me. As I read through the “16 Things Women Need Before They Are 40” article, it really sparked me. I must say there were a few things that I could agree wouldn’t be a bad idea to try once in your life...like a good expensive cup of coffee or a good haircut and most definitely a mammogram - but what really made me itch were the suggestions like a good expensive watch (priced at $3,950.00) or the “serious ride” –suggestion was priced at $78,000.
So, I put my OWN list of “16 Things A Women Must Experience Before Turning 40”
So what are the “16 Things Women Need Before They Are 40”?
Read on to find out! - *Their suggestion is first with my suggestion following
1) A DEAD-SERIOUS PIECE OF TIMELESS CLOTHING
Their # 1 MC recommends: The YSL tux for women. Yes, at $3560, it costs the equivalent of 350 pairs of leggings, but it will outlive them by several decades.
MY # 1: Buy yourself a couple of staple pieces that work for you in all of the ways. Then take your $3560.00 and do something amazing with it…like start your own business or donate some of that for clothing for kids in need. Need help finding a few key items? Our friend Diana Watters at www.curatedclosetbydiana.com can work magic!
2) A LOOK
Their # 2 You’re not Madonna; enough already with the bimonthly reinventions. Are you a Dietrich throwback? A reconstructed punk? Figure it out and shop accordingly.
MY # 2: The ability to dress how you want, confidently. Regardless of what the style, the times or the brand may be. You want to change the way you look daily? More power to you- for being yourself!
3) A PIECE OF ART
Their # 3 Yes, the birch trees in that framed Ansel Adams poster are v. v. haunting, but consider an investment piece with which to start an actual art collection. Living artists cost less; how about a Cecily Brown print or a limited-edition Tom Sachs multiple?
MY # 3 Every woman (or man for that matter) should experience what it is like to support the LOCAL ARTS and ARTISTS. So many people think that just because they spend a whole year’s salary on a picture it makes them cultured. I believe that finding a piece of art that you understand or that stands for something to you, is priceless. And another thing, there is something to be said about supporting your local artists. They put their blood and guts into their work and sell for pennies because they believe in what they are doing.
4) Books
Their # 4: A First Edition
My # 4: The Bible
5) FANCY LUGGAGE (A MATCHED SET, PLEASE)
Their # 5: No more schlepping through airports with midcentury Samsonite. MC recommends: Gucci’s new Guccissima line, which makes the goofball trolley look like a major style statement ($3350).
My # 5: A road trip with some great friends...Whether your stuff is packed in fancy luggage or garbage bags…is it really going to matter at the end of your life when you look back and remember the good times you had? And by the way, do you know how many margaritas on the beach $3350 will buy you?
6) ENLIGHTENED
Their # 6: Go see the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India.
My # 6: Want to be enlightened?? Visit a children's hospital and then help spread the word about diseases that we can help to prevent.
7) A FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Their # 7: No, the hedge-fund dude one stool over doesn’t count.
My # 7: Don’t spend what you don’t have….Other than that, ok a financial advisor isn’t so bad.
8) A MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP
Their # 8: Whether it’s the Met, the Getty, or the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia, it’s time to earn some culture cred. take your place on the gala circuit - perfect for that YSL tux
My # 8: Visit not only the big city museums and big “gala” events...Go to small road side museums, you know the kind that you find in tiny little towns along the highway that are in an old church or run down building? You will see more than you think.
9) A MAMMOGRAM
Their # 9: ’Nuff said.
My # 9: ‘Nuff said
10) A GOOD CAUSE
Their # 10: Stop considering yourself your own favorite charity. Amnesty International? Oxfam? Amfar? Then get your new financial advisor to determine what chunk of every paycheck you can commit. My # 10: Don’t count on your financial advisor to do this for you- what are you actually giving besides money you will eventually not even miss? Get out there- volunteer, use your own sweat and blood to do great things for something that means a lot to you ( or someone else)
11) A REAL WATCH
Their # 11 No, you can’t wear rubber on your wrist with the YSL tux. MC recommends: the Cartier roadster ($3,950). Mechanical movement with automatic winding that works off the heat from your skin. Kinky. . .
My # 11: Buy a beautiful $200.00 watch and donate the rest to your good cause.
12) A BIG-ASS TV
Their # 12 MC recommends: Philips 50-inch ambilight, $3999. Hello, size queen.
My # 12: Turn off the TV. Go outside and walk in the rain...watch the sun come up or the stars at night...
13) A SMARTY-PANTS SUBSCRIPTION
Their # 13: Foreign Affairs, The American Scholar, The Economist. To be read, not fanned out on the coffee table.
14) A SERIOUS RIDE
Their # 14 Adieu, Budget! MC recommends: the Cadillac XLR roadster, $78,495. Not your daddy’s Caddy, trust us.
My # 14: See the world through more than a really really expensive windshield. Take a train ride through the country. Buy a bicycle and marvel at all of the things in your very own neighborhood that you haven’t noticed while driving by. If your dream is to own a Cadillac XLR roadster then chase that dream too - just remember, you don’t need a $78,000 car to make you worldly
15) A DECENT CUP OF COFFEE
Their # 15 Wake up and smell it. MC recommends: the Illy X1 Francis Francis! Espresso Machine ($800)
My # 15: Go to your local coffee shop and have them pick a drink for you. Buy beans from a local coffee company, buy a new favorite mug from your local artist and sip on your cup of joe, knowing that you are doing good things for those around you! Another shameless plug-Check out our coffee company www.cartercoffeeco.com where you can buy coffee that is direct trade from Guatemala and you can even learn about the actual farmers who are growing the coffee you drink. Every bean means something to them- now that is a cup I can get into!
16) DESTINATION HAIRCUT
Their # 16: Whether it’s Leonor Greyl in Paris, or Chris McMillan in L.A., spend serious bank, at least once, on something crazy-chic.
My # 16: Call me. I will give you a kick ass hair cut without spending serious bank..but seriously, taking awesome care of yourself is a great habit to start but it doesn’t have to break the bank and you don’t have to fly to Paris to get a great look. Start by paying attention to the women who you admire and ask them who does their hair! You might be surprised how easy ( and affordable) it can be to look like a million bucks without spending a million! 𝒳𝒪𝒥𝑀
Comments