Act-your-age MAN CANDY

I saw an ad today that was stunning.  Could I find it?  Sadly, no.  I'm pretty sure it was a POLO ad with a striking black model.  It got me thinking that normally, I don't drool over men and I wasn't in this case per se.  

It was Paul Newman who said:  "Why have hamburger when  you have steak at home?"

It also got me pondering about who is out there that is close to hitting fifty or has already, who can still be considered studly.  Of course, I'd put my affectionately dubbed "Hunkster Hubster" at the top of my list, but I'm not sharing.

These are 10 of my favorites, sprinkled with quotes, who have withstood the test of time, or have emerged with their gray hair in tact, that we women, find attractive.  As befitting our maturity we don't drool.  I never did really.  I'm a fan of finding the inner quality a man possesses that exudes that something that makes us take a peek.  Songsters, actors tend to be the most likely candidates. 

1. Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt sets the bar for many as the first hunk of my generation, who stood out in the movie "Thelma & Louise" and has kept our eyes entertained over the years.  Not surprising, he did look like a bit of a goof in high school.  I'm sure there are a few gals that passed him over, others who regret it years later ... the one that got away?

Brad may be easy on the eyes, but he doesn't set the standard for manhood.  A guy who cheats on his wife, dismantles a marriage, and leaves someone as gorgeous as his former wife heartbroken, leaves much to be desired.  It tarnishes his looks for many of us.  Sometimes we forget and let the eyes be entertained.

2. Bruce Springsteen
A rocker, a father, a husband and a citizen is Bruce Springsteen.  He may not be what many would think of first, but there is that something that makes him stand out.

Reminding us that entertainers are people too, they chill out, they're not always on stage, Bruce chills with his wife Patti:

A family man is attractive, showing a well-rounded, content person who is comfortable in himself and has the wisdom to recognize it.

3. Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves reminds me of my first boyfriend at 15, Alan.  I wouldn't describe him as a hunk by any means, but he does have an appeal that isn't lost.

Keanu makes that unkempt look popular, even though I rarely see him out of a tattered pair of shoes.  Am I the only one that notices that and it overshadows some of the appeal.

4. Kevin Costner
The classic pretty boy, Kevin Costner, grows on you.  Maybe it is part of choosing the right parts that combine manliness, soulfulness and depth.  Qualities we all want to discover in our man.

Dreamy?  Maybe.  

Oh yeah, almost forgot the mega-bomb "Waterworld" that cost millions and one of the biggest flops when you factor how much it drained studio pockets.

We'd take Kevin as a bodyguard with a poor crewcut after he won us over protecting Whitney Houston, back in the day.

We'd take him as a Robin Hood, over a suit in shining armor any day.  Or a day like any other.

He may be trying too hard to look studly.  Yet we'll forgive him.  He must be prolific in roles because he is easily found searching Google images.

5. Tim McGraw
The assortment wouldn't be complete without a cowboy.  Tim McGraw shows that looks can sometimes be enhanced by a hat, a beautiful wife, and musical talent.

It goes to show you that sometimes the hat DOES make the man.    Being a caring father, is one of the best images anyone can have.

6. Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington looks like a solid guy.  Maybe that is one of his greatest appeals.  He comes across as strong, brave and wise.

But what about?  Who you say?  Those guys ... the new guys?  OK, there are a few that have caught our attention lately.  We've watched them grace the screen, big or small, while polishing their looks as the audience appeal grows.  Like the Trevago guy, 

7. Tim Williams

Apparently, we've seen him before.  Forgotten until he informed us that there were better ways to select travel.

He didn't mind being scruffy.  We didn't mind him being cleaned up.

No longer wanting to be "that creepy guy" on TV, he did clean up nicely.  He also drew clicks and second looks.  His name is Tim Williams.

8. Rupert Friend
Rupert Friend sneaks up in his swoon quota as he has grown into the strong, silent type on Homeland.  No stranger to the screen, he has had many parts, many not as memorable as his role as CIA Agent Quinn.

Agreed, we all have photos of ourselves that we'd rather lose. Then again, they're wisely kept to show how much we've improved.

That was an oldy photo.  Rupert is actually approaching 50, at 48, so this was a while ago but before Quinn. 

9. Idris Elba
Ildris Elba as Luther from BBC is cropping up everywhere.  No wonder.  He has the strong type nailed.  Initially slated as the first black James Bond, then passed over.  That's too bad.  He has coolness and suave that make the ladies swoon.

10.  Nilolaj Coster Waldau

To prove what a forgivable lot of women we are, Nikolaj Coster Waldau who plays Jamie Lannister on Game of Thrones is included because he is easy on the eyes.  At 45, he qualifies as an older guy hunk.

As a bonus, I've selected a few for my younger readers to keep their eyes on (no sweat, I'm sure) to see which one of them may happen to surface on a bigger screen near you:

1. Broderick Hunter

1. Ignacio Valenti

1. Sahib Faber

Jump into Jumpsuits 2016

I'm mad about jumpsuits ::  A trend that started last year and starting to catch on this spring.  For someone who is a curvy, 5 ft. petite gal, they're a great way to get a great look, create a lean façade.  They're a must have for anyone's wardrobe, being casual or corporate.

I bought one at the end of last summer, and to say I've had a lot of use, would be an understatement!  The nice part, is they go with various body types, young or old.  Dress it up with a blazer or cash it out with a jean jacket.  Optimize with the right accessories and you've got a slam dunk.

To show you what I mean, I sifted through Pinterest and then a goldmine for cheap stock by www.sammydress.com where everything ranges from a couple of bucks to $20. 

I'm tempted by the following ideas as well as give some hints and tricks I'd recommend to keep it classy with a zest of fun:

I'm not a fan of the sandals here :: they're too dainty for the appeal of this look, which would be better suited with a pair of wedges like these, even if they are white (show you're brave and throwing the rules out the window by creating your own style statement):

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These have my footprint all over them!

Piece de la resistance :: the must have bag this spring are big, bulky enough to carry your tablet, your smartphone, the makeup bag and wallet ... along with a piece of fruit and water bottle:

Don't worry that the charm is gold, as long as it says "Michael Kors" you've got it made!  A little pattern to create a little contrast works in showing that you aren't too anal about being too matchy matchy.  

Toss in the right accessories and you're all set.  This pendant elongates the theme, especially if you are short or curvy, it subtly says your taller:

I'm not going to get caught up with the fact the charm on the purse is gold.  I wouldn't be too busy with the earrings either.  Again, to create a classier look, I would try to match them:

Notice the hair?  That blue grey is hip and in.  Imagine younger gals, who find the look appealing.  Who would have thought grey would be the bomb!

Denim on denim is a going concern.  The mixed but matched is coolio.  You don't have to look to far for denim jumpers this spring either.  You can appear chic, while not trying too hard to hide your age, just find the look and line that suits your figure and hides your flaws.  I wouldn't have a belt to cut myself in two, to avoid appearing shorter:

I found this whimsical ring with turquoise that goes with denim splendidly. 

Jumpers with prints are A-ok, I just don't go with anything too overpowering, unless you are much taller and slender than moi. 

Have you noticed that the looks I go for have the cuff narrow?  That is intentional to give the taller, slimmer illusion.  Aren't these fun?  For spring or summer, I'd have more fun with the shoes, as I usually do to make a statement.  I adore these sandals.  Clunky heels lean toward comfort while the peep toe shows off those awesome toesies from your last pedicure (no more than three weeks ago):

Black is a faux pas for anyone trying to look taller or slender :: plus it makes it easier to accessorize.  Check out the shoes I drooled over to dress up a jumper ensemble:

Throw on a blazer over to say:  professional.  Although, I'd say that the sandals are not the right ones to complete the look.  Especially with silver zippers and buttons :: the purse got it right on (I have an exact one only in steel blue).  Mix up with patterns for a more casual flare:

You're getting into the groove I hope.  You've spotted how badly the outfit is completed by the wrong shoes that are too fuddy duddy , the purse awkwardly held, would be better replaced with a cross-body purse, and get rid of the silly hat .... unless you really do want to look like a grandma!

Color on color, especially cream colors are favorites of mind.  The sunglasses are wrong and so is the purse.  A nice necklace can say chic, be brave with the floral headband when you have long tresses or a pop of red to say you mean business :: to be noticed!

Speaking of red and colors ........

Finally a look that is together with the right sandals and purse and chain belt.  Nice if you don't have chubby upper arms, you would be able to accessorize with the bracelet.  You can omit the belt if you have a waist you don't want to accentuate. 

These earrings would go marvelously with the bright royal blue jumper wouldn't they?  I'd bypass any other jewelry to let them jell together, and speak class and elegance.  I'd probably choose a subtle clutch and perhaps silver sandals to complete the statement.

I'm proud of you :: you have already identified how wrong the belt is with this popping pink, with shoes that are boring.  (Whoever choreographs these images, is being lazy on the details).  So, yeah, the lipstick matches, but hardly anything else.

To prepare for balmy spring or summer days or holidays, I pulled a few rompers that caught my fancy:

BRAVO :: accessories!  Polyvore is a great site to play with fashions, accessorize and create looks that are applauded by other fashionistas critical eyes.  They certainly emphasize how important pulling the whole look together is by the shoes you choose or accessories that compliment but don't crowd.  Sometimes, I want to be comfortable when shopping, on the ready to welcome company :: this works for me:

Eeegawd ... another example of the wrong accessories and shoes :: this is a casual jumper, not for elegant sandals or clutch.  And have your buttons down to your belly button, and you may attract glares from other women :: a leopard print t-shirt under would have still bespoken wildness:

Fun comfort:

Purse gone wild:

Don't you dare :: unless you wear it under a see-through dress or over-sized shirt or for bed time lingerie:

Whatever you wear, accessorize it :: and have fun!

A most inspired campaign gone VIRAL

This is THE best viral campaign that didn't cost even a nickel to create.  It is a beautiful showcase of all what is right about the layout, the images, peppered words, with a strong #socialmedia push .... it is very inspiring and really demonstrates what having all those key ingredients going for it ... plummeted with a witty idea that caught the net, IoT, social media, viral or whatchamacallit!


BEST VIRAL campaign of all time!  Only in Canada you say eh?

You can't be more inspired than this!  What I like the most is that it wasn't some "unINTENTIONAL" advertising magic trick that got everyone jumping aboard the train to share:  #RT LIKE TUMBLE instaGRAM PIN or you name it.

I can only relate by the fact that as a Blogger emerges within you, it crosses over pretty much into anything that you're watching, thinking about, or setting aside with skepticism :: you start thinking about a post or campaign :: because it is fitting :: in your mind, what you wanna say :: or just catch or start a fire.  

I can imagine that any emerging Blogger dreams of what they say catching on fire, resonating, being so believable or relatable, they just want to share, or accompany it with their own thought.  

When you think about it :: you don't have to leave home, fly somewhere, relocate, interview or apply :: you are just swept up and carried away but an audience that eventually evolves into fans.

If you are skeptical :: then you may as stop reading now because I am not a skeptical person.  I am of the "anything is possible" school of thought.  I can't be bothered to waste a breath on anything that has been tweaked, photo shopped, choreographed too hard.

Why? Because I sensed that someone was going to get the formula and get it right.  It is sure a lot harder to do than to take a video and uploaded it to YouTube where accidents happen to get people's attention.  

People are working harder these days while earning less and striving to maintain optimism, reach out for motivation, laugh at funny :: or of those combined.  Truly, a difficult feat.  

Cape Breton if Trump is escape at its finest.  An elegant presentation, with calming visuals, spiced but satorical humor!

Hurrah, Bravo, yipee haHOO!  Someone, a singular individual, just pulled off any predicessors that were created by a room full of think tankers (today's version of Mad Men)  tossing around ideas, while searching and surfing through their laptops or tablets.  

PLAY PICK OUT THE GUY WHO'S LATE  Hint:: he's trying to follow along with his smart phone.  He's feeling blessed with its high definition screen, larger than average, newly released and he is likely much younger by many in the room. The techno phobs can be identified by the spiral notebooks, the old fashioned way you'd go to meetings, to school or craft your "to do" list.

Get caught up by wandering through this marvelous and innovative site.  An inspiration to Bloggers evolving as writers alike. 

All joking and viral hits aside, this is an absolutely menu of delightful sights you will ever see online, even rarer because it was created by one individual, not an expensive army of creatives disguised as snobs.

A self-described knowledge junkie :: it appeals to those who greatest desire is to gather more intelligence than

 

 the average being.  Creating a sensation!

  

p.s.  It means the world to me that you actually took the time to read  .... This is the kind of support any gal would love, which I adore and so appreciate .... I love writing and even a quiet like is more than I could hope for ... thank YOU. Of course, more subscribers or a comment would indicate its appeal ... but as this webpage would show, that it has cluttered itself with viral likes, comments, etc. I admire that because it is wisdom unfolding, with its teaching, that you don't have to look like you have a lot of comments or clutter to take off into viral superstardom.