Sonia Lovett, Author at Style Beyond Age

Loungewear for the Non-Casual Woman, like Me

by Sonia Lovett | Jul 1, 2020 | Fashion

If you´ve been following Style Beyond Age for a while, you´ll have noticed I don´t really do casual, but maybe I´m changing? I call it loungewear for the non-casual woman, like me and here are a few of the stylish, relaxed pieces that I love to wear at home or out and about.

Loungewear for the Non-Casual Women, like Me

I´ve always considered loungewear to be those comfortable clothes you wear around the house when you don’t really plan to go anywhere, but nowadays loungewear is stylish, chic, and sophisticated.

I’ve dipped my toes into the casual pool, and been totally won over by the feel, the ease and the effortlessness of the pieces I’ve collected, that I thought it was time to share them with you.

Loungewear to Lunch Wear

This two-piece loungewear set from @therealguillaume is effortlessly elegant. As suited to lounging in my closet, as a last-minute lunch date – as you can see. A few accessories and I´m ready to walk out the door.
You can browse their different styles here.

Underwear as Loungewear

The new @evelynbobbie bra design has become a favorite to wear on its own or underneath something else. Combining lift and comfort with an adjustable design it hugs you in all the right places, but isn´t too tight either.

Casual Loungewear

Who says I can´t be casual? In this Alala loungewear, I can do anything. The comfort, the style, the ease – it´s ticking all the right boxes.

Cozy PJ´s as Loungewear

You might hear me suggesting you can wear PJ´s out to lunch and think I´ve finally lost it; but when your pajamas are as chic as these, it is a possibility. I fell in love with this pair from @Somaintimates

Loungewear for the Non-Casual Woman

I´ve enjoyed embracing this effortless and elegant loungewear style with me today on the Style Beyond Age blog. Do you have a favorite?

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DIY Hair Masks for the Change of Seasons

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DIY Hair Masks – Perfect for the Change of Seasons

by Sonia Lovett | Jun 25, 2020 | Skincare, Wellness

Join us for a pamper session at Style Beyond Age as we tackle dry, damaged, dull and greasy hair with some nourishing DIY Hair Masks – perfect for the change of seasons.

Summer has arrived here in Montana – I can feel it in the air – and although the blue skies and sunshine are welcome, the change of seasons, higher humidity levels and excessive air conditioning can leave my hair feeling dry, damaged and lack-luster.

Hair Masks to Combat the Change of Seasons

If like me, you experience changes to the condition of your hair through the year, then a hair mask can offer the perfect nourishment you need to bring it back to life. I´ve loved the BetterNotYounger Restorative Butter Masque. It´s packed with vitamin E, Avocado, Macadamia, Natural Mango, Murumuru and Cupuacu butters that give my hair the lift it needs. As with all the BetterNotYounger products, their hair mask is vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free and cruelty-free – no nasties here.

I keep a tub in the bathroom, but I also have a few favorite DIY hair mask recipes that you can make at home, using the contents of your pantry. I thought I would share a few with you today…

DIY Hair Mask for Dry Hair

Egg, Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Mask

Results: Leaves dry hair looking and feeling nourished, without weighing it down.

Ingredients: 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey – choose raw, organic honey for the best results.

Directions: Combine all ingredients, apply to your hair, and leave for 30 minutes before rinsing. If your hair is longer, you can double the recipe to get the covered you need.

DIY Hair Mask for Dull Hair

Coconut Oil, Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Mask

Results: Brings back to shine to lack-luster hair or colored hair.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of Honey (raw organic honey if possible) and 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar.

Directions: Combine ingredients in a bowl, apply to damp hair and rinse off after 30 minutes.

DIY Hair Mask for Thin Hair

Coconut Oil and Cinnamon Hair Mask

Results: Stimulates blood circulation to promote hair growth.

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder.

Directions: Combine ingredients well and apply to the roots of the hair. Massage into your scalp and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off.

DIY Hair Mask for Damaged Hair

Avocado, Honey, Egg and Olive Oil Hair Mask

Results: The perfect all-rounder hair mask for damaged hair, improving shine and strength.

Ingredients: Half an avocado, 1 egg white, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Directions: Apply to damp hair, root to tip. Allow it to get to work for 30 minutes and then rinse well.

3 Hair Mask Application Tips

1 – I find hair masks work best when applied to clean, towel-dried hair that´s still damp.

2 – Apply the mask and wrap your hair – the added heat helps those active ingredients get to work.

3 – Once your hair is wrapped, turn up the heat and warm it with your hairdryer for a few minutes, to get those active ingredients started even faster.

How does your hair change with the seasons and which hair mask will you try?

I hope you enjoy this share. Until the next time, you might enjoy….

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20 Under-$100 Dresses for Summer

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20 Under-$100 Dresses for Summer

by Sonia Lovett | Jun 17, 2020 | Fashion

She´s back! Today at Style Beyond Age our resident stylist, Serena, is sharing 20 under-$100 dresses for summer; and we´re spoiled for choice. There are maxi dresses, midi dresses, mini dresses, wrap dresses, smocks and more – before I give away too much, I´ll hand over to Serena, so you can dive straight in…

20 Under-$100 Dresses for Summer

A little late to the party, but it feels like summer has finally arrived!

In these hot summer days, when I can’t have anything touch my body, my go-to is always a dress. I’ve pulled together my favorite summer dresses under $100 to refresh your summer wardrobe.

Free People Made For You Maxi Dress

$98

Choosy Perfect Flirt Dress

$95

English Factory Check Print Maxi Dress

$90.00

Staud Carolina Butterfly Paisley Print Stretch Cotton Minidress

$98.00

Billabong x Sincerely Jules Mix it Up Stripe Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

$71.96

Lisa Marie Fernandez for Target Polka Dot One Shoulder Dress

$45

Who What Wear Short Sleeve Belted Tiered Dress

$29.95

AQUA Smocked Lace-Trim Mini Dress

$98

Vince Camuto Linear-Print Dress

$99

Endless Rose Colorblocked Maxi Dress

$90.00

You´re half way – Still 10 under-$100 Summer Dresses to go!

French Connection Satin Tie-Dyed Dress

$98.00

& Other Stories Frill Maxi Dress

$74

& Other Stories Knotted A-line Midi Slit Dress

$89

Moon River Stripe Print Belted Dress

$29.98

JCrew Maxi dress in rainbow stripe

$88

New York & Co Halter Maxi Dress

$62.96

Good American The Body Sculpted Midi Dress

$99

Mango Printed Long Dress

$79.99

Mango Floral print dress

$99.99

Revolve Blaque Maxi Dress

$88

20 Summer Dresses under $100

I don´t know about you, but that´s definitely put me in the summer spirit.

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How I manage my Hormones over 50 and Beyond

by Sonia Lovett | Jun 14, 2020 | Wellness

On the Style Beyond Age blog, I´m sharing how I manage my hormones over 50, the advice I discovered and the treatment solution that has transformed how I feel. If you´re struggling with a hormone imbalance my experience might help you too…

Managing Hormones over 50

Our hormones are chemical messengers travelling throughout our body, so changes in our hormone levels can impact how our body functions and our mood. Hormonal fluctuations most commonly occur during our period, during pregnancy, or in my case, during menopause.

If you´re reading this blog, you´ve probably already experienced the hot flushes, the night sweats, the foggy brain, the insomnia and don´t even talk to me about sex because the desire was not there.

I experienced them all, and for me, a hormone imbalance was to blame.

If you´re are experiencing some of these symptoms, you may be suffering from a hormone imbalance too and it’s a good idea to get tested. But before you do, let me explain a little about what I learnt about hormones on my journey to a solution…

Bio identical hormones 4 Style Beyond Age

Hormones are not all Equal

We are often led to believe that hormones are hormones, but that simply isn’t true. There are synthetic hormones and there are bio-identical hormones. So, what are they and how are they different?

What are Synthetic Hormones?

Synthetic hormones are hormones that are created in a lab using chemicals, or in some cases animal hormones, like horse estrogen.

Synthetic hormones can be found in pills, injections, creams, birth control and patches. These hormones are not an exact match for our body chemistry, and although some women experience relief in symptoms, it is most likely because our hormone-starved bodies just think “that will do”.

When I was going through my hormone imbalance, I sought the advice of Dr. Jennifer Hawes, who explained there have been several studies that prove the negative side effects of synthetic hormones. However, doctors still prescribe them and patients still take them, but perhaps this is because neither the doctor nor the patient knows of any alternative to synthetics?

What are bio-identical Hormones?

The second, lesser-known type of hormones, are bio-identical hormones. These are derived from plant sources, then tinkered with in a lab to stimulate the active hormone and combined to create an exact match for our body. Think of them as a tailor-made hormone replacer, created specifically for you. Your customized hormone regime can be applied as a cream or taken as a sublingual drop.

After conducting my research, it seemed I had the option between horse estrogen or a tailor-made hormone treatment that was an exact human match. For me it was a no brainer. I went to get the tests and have trusted bio-identical hormones ever since.

The brain fog cleared, the sweaty sleepless nights were gone and I felt like myself again.

Bio-identical hormones may be the lesser known option, but lesser known doesn´t mean less effective. Don´t you agree, it makes more sense to follow a hormone regime designed specifically for you, rather than expecting the same formulation to work for hundreds of thousands of women?

Are bio-identical hormones safe?

There will probably never be a study in the USA on bio-identical hormones because they are customizable and non-patentable. Non-patentable, means no money, which often unfortunately means no study. However, there have been some studies conducted in Europe on each hormone component and they are anything BUT negative.

Bio identical hormones 3 Style Beyond Age

Managing Hormones over 50 and Beyond

I hope you enjoyed this insight into my journey, and how bio-identical hormones corrected my hormone imbalance and improved my way of life.

Interested to learn more about bio-identical hormones? Dr Jen Hawes wrote a special blog for us on the topic a while back, where she delves a little deeper and shares the methodology she uses to treat the women that visit her. You can also follow Dr Jen online, for further words of wisdom.

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24 Black Owned Fashion Brands To Support Today

by Sonia Lovett | Jun 11, 2020 | Fashion

On the Style Beyond Age blog, we´re featuring 24 Black owned Fashion Brands to support today.

In the wake of recent events, many people have asked what they can do to help. And while there is so much to be done about educating ourselves on systematic racism and police brutality, as we protest, organize, call our local government officials and vote, there is nothing like putting our money where our mouth is. It is my goal to help amplify the voices of the many talented Black designers that have graced us with their visions. Here is a list of 24 Black-owned design houses that we love to support.

24 Black Owned Fashion Brands we LOVE

Brother Vellies

Brother Vellies was founded by Aurora James in 2013 with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices, and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs. Now handmade artisanaly across the globe, Brother Vellies creates luxury accessories that celebrate cultural histories and timeless design.

Edas

EDAS founded by Sade Mims, was created from an innovative standpoint, initially focusing on sustainability while using unusual home-goods and refurbished elements. Through the maturity of the brand, EDAS now delivers feminine and staple accessories, accommodating the everyday, eclectic woman. We create each piece of jewelry by hand, and we take pride in seeing the hands of the craftsman within our pieces. Our signature is making each item one of a kind, and uniquely tailored to whoever chooses to wear it.

lemlem

lemlem is an artisan-driven collection of women’s, men’s, children’s and home goods made entirely in Africa. Supermodel Liya Kebede was inspired to launch the brand following a trip to her native Ethiopia where she met a group of traditional weavers who no longer had a market for their craft. Meaning to bloom and flourish in the Ethiopian language of Amharic, lemlem is committed to elevating artisanship and expanding production and jobs across Africa.

Petit Kouraj

Petit Kouraj is the creation of fashion stylist Nasrin Jean-Baptiste. Handmade in Haiti, Petit Kouraj makes fun, stand-alone pieces of wearable art that celebrates a love of knitwear, sculpture, and identity.

Cushnie

Cushnie, founded by Carly Cushnie, is a luxury women’s ready-to-wear and accessories brand that empowers women and celebrates diversity. Defined by the balance of proportion, structure and fluidity, the CUSHNIE aesthetic embodies a refined sense of cosmopolitan minimalism and femininity. Cushnie launched their Target capsule collection this week!

Victor Glemaud

Haitian-born designer Victor Glemaud launched his eponymous leisurewear collection in 2006 and is known for his brilliant use of knitwear and color for all people, genders, races, and sizes. Victor Glemaud was a finalist in the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and honored for his achievements by the Ambassador of Haiti to the United States.

Vavvoune

Founded by self taught designer/artisan Valerie Blaise, in Brooklyn New York. VAVVOUNE (pronounced vav•une) is a leather accessories brand recognized by way of cultured design. Introducing passionate wearable leather accessories , while hinting spunk in effortless ways of impression. Moods, moments of nostalgia, and functionality introduces inspiration.

Undra Celeste New York

Undra Celeste New York, founded by Undra Duncan, is known for its elevated basics; like our ultra-soft sheer turtlenecks to the eye-catching faux collar statement coat. Elements that you will find prevalent in the brand’s aesthetics are BOLDNESS (color and prints), MODERN (clean lines and silhouettes) and FUN (embellishments and metallics).

Island Tribe

Island Tribe is a womenswear lifestyle brand, founded by Angeline Hayling and OD Odero, with a strong commitment to sustainability and fair trade practices. “The Tribe” embraces femininity, environmental consciousness and holistic living. Inspired by the Ocean and the Elements of life; their intimate designs are created with peace, love and blessings for all the free spirited around the world. In 2020, they were selected as one of the top 25 emerging brands by the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Andrea Iyamah

Andrea Iyamah, owned by Nigerian fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah, is a clothing line strongly inspired by color, ethnic cultures, nature and design elements that stay true to creating authentic clothing and resort wear with hints of a retro yet contemporary edge in design.

Fe Noel

Fe Noel, founded by Grenada-born designer Felisha Noel, is a conceptual lifestyle brand created for the multifaceted woman who embodies a love for travel and style.

Thebe Magugu

Founded in 2015 by Thebe Magugu, the eponymous label is a contemporary South African fashion brand producing women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, celebrating its African cultural roots with a modern approach.

Mateo New York

Mateo New York, founded in 2009 by Jamaican jewelry designer Mattew Harris, is a fine-jewelry collection that takes inspiration from modern art. The fine jewelry collections bare Mateo’s true aesthetic of simplicity and minimalism, drawing inspiration from modern art for the modern woman. Each piece is made from 14KT gold with a consistent use of diamonds and precious gemstones.

House of Aama

House of Aama is the spiritual expression of mother and daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka—materials range from orange faux fur to light, delicate lace.

Hanifa

Founder Anifa Mvuemba launched Hanifa Clothing in 2012. Its latest collection, Pink Label Congo, was inspired by the “hope of the Congolese spirit.”

Khiry

Khiry, founded in 2016 by Jameel Mohammed, is a luxury and modern jewelry brand that is inspired by cultural practices, history, art and design throughout the diaspora.

Kimberly Goldson

Kimberly Goldson, founded in 2011 by sisters Kimberly Goldson and Shelly Powell, is all about brightly colored, statement pieces. The Kimberly Goldson lifestyle brand is inspired by the flavor of Kimberly and Shelly’s hometown, Brooklyn, and draws from the dynamic cultures encountered during their international travels. It was created as a mix of those worlds for women who love luxury and dare to be bold and vivacious, fearless and distinctive.