Disappointing
As a "woman of a certain age," I was eager for tips on how to look my best. Sadly, they weren't in the pages of this book. The author takes a one-size-fits-all approach to her anti-aging solutions: everyone should wear pink lipstick...everyone should wear her skirts to mid-knee. There's no regard for a woman's individual coloring, body type, or lifestyle, so many of her suggestions are unrealistic or downright absurd. While some of her advice is sound, it's no-brainer information that I've read dozens of times before.

Loved the book!
I've always been an advocate of being the best you can be (at any age.) This does not mean that we will all be drop dead gorgeous or need to become high maintenace. Just strive to do your best . . . what you can afford to do timewise and moneywise, rather than just giving up and doing nothing.

Take the advice you like from the book, and forget the rest. It's as simple as that! That being said (since I live on a modest budget) I can't/won't implement the more expensive suggestions, but it appears I already do probably 80% of what Charla recommends. Who can't afford to bleach one's teeth these days, change out the makeup, or upgrade a hairsyle?

I will most certainly never have a separate stylist and colorist, I feel overwhelmed by "clunky" jewelry, and I totally missed the fact that one shouldn't even be buried in (horrors) nylons!! But that does not negate the fact that this was a fun, informative book, that at least gives one pause for thought.

She did not address health issues, and she told us why, so that was fine. But it goes without saying that function is far more important than form, and no amount of beauty/style improvements can be a substitute for a well functioning body. I still can't get over a friend's choice to get a face lift instead of a much needed knee replacement.

OLD IS A STATE OF MIND
I loved this book because I am a baby boomer, and we refuse to get old! We have made ourselves the exception to every rule over the years, and refusing to be like our mothers is one of them. The tips and tricks in this book were great, although I think most of it could be done on a budget and still work great. I didn't agree with everything she said, but for the most part I found the work fun and helpful. On the other hand, I think a diet and exercise program is very important for anyone who wants to remain youthful. And the most important thing is ATTITUDE. If you feel and act young, you look young. I would highly recommend Baby Boomer Bachelorette: How to Have Sex at Least Once More Before You Die which not only covers the outside looks topic, but also the fitness topic. Buy both these books and be the hottest grandmother on your block!

Thanks for making HOW NOT TO LOOK OLD a bestseller
It's been 15 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller list and now in its 11th printing! My friend Abby hosted an 80th birthday lunch for her mother and sent 35 books to me from amazon.com so that I could sign them for every guest.

If you want to do the same, just send the books to me directly from amazon.com, I will be happy to sign the books to whoever you want and send the books back to you...on me. My address: 255 West 84th St. 5C, New York 10024

Just email me at hownottolookold.com and tell me what you want to say to each party guest. It's the birthday bible for every woman who does not want to look old! --Charla Krupp

Book Review: How Not to Look Old (Excerpt From Modern Matriarch)
In How Not to Look Old, she dishes on industry secrets for looking young and hip at any age, from forty to sixty. The subtitle reads: Fast and Effortless Ways to Look 10 Years Younger, 10 Pounds Lighter, 10 Times Better, and pretty much spells out the objective. With nineteen chapters covering hair, makeup, skin, teeth, nails, wardrobe and accessories, information is organized in an easy to find format, with plenty of bullet points and photos.

Each chapter also has a section called `Brilliant Buys,' listing effective products from various price ranges. Krupp doesn't subscribe to the price equals quality formula. Krupp has personally tested each product and recommends a few that give you the biggest bang for your buck.



Don't have time to make a huge commitment to your personal image? Fear not. Krupp has designed her book with high, medium, and low maintenance options. A quick quiz will tell you what level of investment is right for you. Yes, I used the word investment, because that's what it is--an investment that pays of in self-esteem and first impressions.

We all have an image, one that is either consciously put together or one that we allow to develop by default. If you want to create an image that allows your inner youth and vitality to manifest on the outside, you'll love How Not to Look Old. Krupp delivers her advice in a straight forward `girl, I'm going to give you the truth' sort of way. She's very frank about why baby boomers (and aging gen x-ers like me!) can't afford to let themselves go: "For our generation, looking younger isn't just about vanity . . . Looking good is about our personal and financial survival."

If you want to age fabulously instead of gracefully, I highly recommend Charla Krupp's new book. It's one of the best was to make a proactive transition from your trendy twenties to young and hip thirties, forties, and fifties.