About a year ago I shared my experience with BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy) and the response was enormous. To this day I still get messages about it and it’s the most watched video on my YouTube channel.
If you missed that video and want to get caught up you can check it out here. This video covers why I started looking in to hormone replacement therapy in the first place (spoiler alert: I had ZERO sex drive), the process of getting a pellet implanted, the cost of treatment, the changes I noticed, and the side effects.
Since I continue to get questions about BHRT I thought it might be helpful to share the latest update on my journey with hormone replacement therapy. Before we dive in let’s get the disclaimer out of the way. I am not a doctor, I am simply sharing my own personal experience. Please consult a medical professional and do your own research to decide if this might be right for you.
I’ve heard from many GYPO readers that starting BHRT has been life changing for them and I 100% agree with that statement personally as well. Within two weeks of starting treatment I felt more positive, had more energy, it was easier to build muscle, and I burned fat easier. Initially I gained a little bit of weight after my first and second pellet thanks to fluid retention but even that side effect has gone away. And thankfully, my sex drive returned. Watch my weekly Coffee Chat video below for more details on that vulnerable revelation.
Thankfully the long-term side effects of BHRT have been minimal for me and are things I can deal with for the most part. I’m only doing testosterone replacement for the time being so can’t speak to the side effects of estrogen or progesterone. In the beginning the main side effect I experienced from testosterone was feeling irritable and agitated. It has lessened significantly over time and honestly, I don’t really experience that any longer. If you are new to BHRT be aware that it is a common side effect.
The more problematic side effects that I continue to experience are hormonal breakouts on my chin, neck, and upper back as well as some unwanted hair growth on my chin. I talked to my doctor who recommended I take an androgen blocker (Spironolactone), which I am taking now, and that has helped reduce my breakouts and unwanted hair growth. Some women do experience hair loss when taking BHRT and androgen blockers can also be helpful to resolve this side effect. Overall these side effects have been minimal for me and are not a deal breaker for doing BHRT.
After 4 years, not a lot has changed. I don’t get the same big uplift after a new pellet that I did in the beginning because my hormones are more regulated and consistent and most of the side effects I experienced in the beginning of treatment are no longer an issue. I have no plans to stop doing pellet therapy and the benefits of treatment have far outweighed any side effects I’ve experienced.
Always advocate for your health. If something doesn’t feel right or is affecting your quality of life keep pushing for solutions and looking answers. If your doctor is dismissive or is blaming a problem on something else when you know in your gut that isn’t what is truly going on then continue pushing. Go to a different doctor, look for other solutions, and don’t settle for answers that you know aren’t right. There is a solution out there and this is too important not to keep searching for it.
The pellet I use is from BioTE Medical. I am not affiliated with them in any way, this is just the product I use. You can visit their website at biotemedical.com to find a provider near you or take their wellness quiz to see if BHRT might be right for you.
I hesitate to use the term anti-aging because I’ve gotten in trouble for this in the past. To be clear I am not anti-aging, I am pro aging because it’s always better than the alternative, right? My 40’s has been the best decade of my life by far. I am happier, more content, more insightful and plenty of other good stuff that comes along with aging so yay for getting older. But for the sake of clarity (since it’s the term the beauty industry uses) let’s use the term anti-aging today. Moving on!
The beauty industry is a multibillion-dollar industry and women are willing to pay a lot for beauty products, especially if they work. Simply because I am a blogger I have experimented with a lot of things over the years, I’m always trying something new. I also have very sensitive skin and the products I’m recommending today have truly worked for me. I can’t switch products often so once I find something that works well I tend to stick with it for several years. It’s unusual for me to change products unless I find something that is a game changer and works really, really well.
One of the biggest issues when we start getting older is our collagen production slows down and this causes sagging and wrinkles. Using products that are going to boost your collagen levels are super important especially when you are in your 40s and honestly, I started using these products on a regular basis around age 35. The biggest bang for your buck as far as collagen production goes is a product that contains retinol. For years I went to my dermatologist and got Retin-A but I had to stop using it because it made my skin red, dry, and flakey. Some women can handle it well in prescription strength but I was not one of them. I had to go out and find some other options, most of which are available at your local drugstore for less than $25.
The products I’m sharing today are going to improve the texture and tone of your skin and improve your glow but they likely aren’t going to move the needle much in terms of reducing wrinkles. Retinol products will help the most with wrinkles as far as actual lasting changes or you can try plumping products like hyaluronic acids, which will temporarily fill wrinkles, but retinol products are what is going to boost collagen production for longer lasting results. Watch my weekly Coffee Chat video below for the inside scoop on how I deal with my wrinkles – it’s a little controversial.
I switched to this product from Retin-A because it is much gentler on my skin but still very effective. I still experienced some irritation when I initially started using it but over time this has been working really well for me. The key to this one is to use a pea-size amount to cover your whole face and then another pea-size amount to cover your neck and bring down onto your chest if you like. If you do experience irritation when you first start using it switch to using it every other day and that will help your skin adjust and build up tolerance to the treatment. It takes about 12 weeks to see results but you will likely start noticing improvements within 6-8 weeks. Over time my skin develops a better glow thanks to improved cell turnover. I also notice a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles thanks to the boost of collagen production. Note that any products containing retinol will make your skin more photosensitive so please be careful about your sun exposure when using these products. I often take a break from using them during the summer months. I did some additional research into night creams and found the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream and Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream are both also highly recommended in this category.
After 40 years of age eye creams become really important as the skin around your eyes is so delicate. It’s just not in my nature to spend a lot of money on expensive department store brands (although I’m sure plenty of them work wonders) but I kept seeing good things about RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment. In addition to wrinkles this also takes care of puffiness and dark circles which I wake up with every single morning thanks to my allergies. Even with my super sensitive skin I can use this gentle cream morning and night without irritation.
As we age cell turnover slows down and causes dull skin/complexion which is why exfoliating is so important. Add exfoliating once per week to your skin care routine and you will be amazed at the difference you notice in your skin – it’s a true miracle worker! I use St. Ives Fresh Skin Face Scrub once or twice per week in the shower and it’s only a few dollars for a tube that lasts for a year! If you find it to be too harsh on your skin you can use a simple sugar scrub (there are plenty of natural recipes available on Pinterest). Another well reviewed exfoliating product is the No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator.
Exfoliating is the one thing I’ve noticed that really changes the level of glow in my skin, helps my makeup go on smoother, and improves my overall complexion.
There are lots of targeted serums out there now that address myriad skin care woes. Choose a serum that’s going to treat your specific skin issues whether that’s acne, dullness, dry skin, etc. I have loved using Lumene Nordic-C Glow Boost Essence Serum and I know a lot of my readers have been fans of that serum as well. Don’t forget your serum goes on after your cleanser and before your moisturizer – layer your skin care products thinnest to heaviest otherwise it won’t penetrate through to your skin. The Vitamin C serum helps improve your glow and is an anti-oxidant to help protect your skin from free radicals that can cause aging.
Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin finding a moisturizer that works for your skin type is so very important. I recommend bundling your moisturizer with your SPF protection so that you don’t have to do two different steps and are sure to always be protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The thing that will most help prevent wrinkles and aging skin is sun protection. Studies have shown that using SPF can actually reverse some signs of aging. Keeping your skin moisturized also plumps it up so look for moisturizers that have hyaluronic acid in it because it will give you a temporary plumping effect that will make your skin look fresher, regenerated, and youthful. Drink more water! This is always important but especially in the cold winter months when the air is so dry and even harsher on our skin – stay hydrated! Products that help keep your skin moisturized are Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer which also has SPF in it. The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream mentioned earlier also contains SFP and the day time version contains hyaluronic acid so you get triple the benefits from it.
What skincare products are you using and loving lately?
Did you know that we only wear about twenty percent of what’s in our closets? It’s crazy to believe that we are taking up so much of our closet space with things that we don’t wear, or worse, things we don’t even know we have! I know going through our closets is a daunting task but as we ready for the colder months and break out the boots and sweaters, it really is the perfect time to sort, organize and purge. Only keep what you like, what you’ll wear and what fits.
Now I know this process doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and it’s usually a big old mess before you start to see any progress, but I promise you that if you keep accountability for what’s in your closet, and build a solid foundation, you just may be able to say that you wear 100% of what’s in your closet! Then once you have that solid foundation you’ll be able to put together a bunch of new looks for fall just like the one below all by simply shopping your closet.
Denim Jacket + Striped Shirt + Burgundy Jeans + Leopard Flats + Black Purse + Pendant Necklace
1. Denim Jacket
This classic piece is perfect for the transition from summer to fall. Denim jackets are a great way to make any outfit look complete and perfectly casual. You can’t go wrong with a medium wash as it’s pretty timeless. When selecting your denim jacket, make sure you have enough room in shoulders and that it hits you just right at the waist. Finding one with a little stretch to it will help you feel less restricted. And for the finishing touch, you can cuff up the sleeves and add a great bracelet or two.
2. Striped Top
You all know I have a strong love affair with stripes so of course, it’s going to be included as a closet staple. Stripes can be worn all year long and although I do love a traditional navy and white stripe, really the possibilities are endless. Pick the color, size and thickness of the stripe that you like and that looks best on you. And did you know that stripes are considered a neutral in the world of pattern mixing? So mix away and for additional information on pattern mixing, be sure to check out GYPO’s Quick Guide to Pattern Mixing.
3. Burgundy Jeans
It’s great to have a pair of color denim in your arsenal. For fall and winter, I suggest something a bit darker and these burgundy jeans are perfect. Not only do they scream fall but they coordinate well with both fall colors and jewel tones.
4. Leopard Flats
Oh one of my other loves! Leopard is truly perfect all year round. Depending on the weather where you live, you can easily change up the style to work with the seasons. Leopard flats are ideal for spring and fall while some leopard ankle boots will help you looking stylish through the winter and for summer, it’s leopard sandals all the way!
5. Black Purse
Which category do you fall into? Do you enjoy the same purse all year long or do you change out your pruse according to your mood, the weather or event? No matter where you fall, a great black handbag is an essential closet staple. If you find yourself in the first category, this would also be a great closet staple worth investing in since you’ll be using it so much. However, if you find a black handbag is just part of your purse rotation, then opting for a more budget-friendly option will allow for other handbag purchases.
6. Pendant Necklace
While different metals, beads and tassels may come and go, the basic pendant necklace will always be around. Again this is one of those pieces you don’t have to spend a lot of money on to look amazing and buying what you like, and not just what’s trendy will also ensure that you’ll want to wear it season after season and year after year.
Let’s unpack a loaded topic – what is ‘age appropriate’ when it comes to style? I’m going to be honest, I’ve struggled with how to answer this question through the years. What I can do is share what I use as my own personal litmus test, what works for me, and what questions I ask myself when I’m looking at clothing.
This question has come up more frequently since I turned 40 than it ever did before and I know a lot of our Outfit Formulas® members are in the same boat. For a lot of us there’s this alarm bell that goes off in our heads once hitting 40, this unexplained magic number, where we say — Oh my gosh, can I still wear this? How should I be dressing? Where do I shop? This store feels too young but this store feels too old. There’s this feeling of being stuck in between. Sound familiar?
Common questions I’ve received over the years include…
Are ripped/distressed jeans ok to wear?
Can I wear a skirt above the knee?
Is an over-the-knee boot appropriate?
Can I wear tight jeans or a figure hugging dress?
I will tell you this – I don’t have a definitive answer. But I can share with you a general framework that will help answer these questions for YOU specifically and the best part is these questions take age entirely out of the equation. After all, age is just a number, right?
1. Does this make me feel more confident and stylish when I put it on?
At the end of the day this is what truly matters. If you aren’t comfortable wearing something out of the house then it’s probably not the right piece for you. However, if you look in the mirror and say this totally feels like ‘me’ then it’s likely something you should be adding to your regular wardrobe rotation.
As we get older we tend to err on the side of wearing baggier and looser fitting clothes and it’s not always the best look. Rather than hiding your body as you age, try to embrace the parts of your body/figure that you love and showcase those in a tasteful, classy way. We do not have to cover our bodies completely in order to be age appropriate.
3. What are my motivations for wearing this piece?
This is my gut check question if I feel uncomfortable in a piece. What is your gut telling you about this piece of clothing? Your gut is never wrong and a selfie never lies – so take a picture in the mirror and if it’s something that isn’t working for you then trust your gut. Perhaps your motivation is to cover yourself up and feeling the need to be invisible. It may be worth examining that motivation a little deeper. The flipside may be true for you if you are drawn to overly revealing clothing.
4. What do I want to tell the world about myself through my style and how I present myself?
Remind yourself that what we wear tells the world something really important about us. I always ask my daughters when they are picking clothes “What do you want to tell others about yourself with your clothes?”. We are in control of that message and we tell the world a lot about ourselves through our style. Are you sending the message that you want to send into the world with what you are wearing?
I’m not claiming to have all the answers here but I am all for empowering you to decide what is appropriate for YOU and when you look at it that way it takes age completely out of the equation.
It doesn’t have to be age appropriate, it just has to be YOU appropriate.
What factors do you consider when choosing clothing? What does it mean to you to dress age appropriately?
Happy October everyone and welcome to the Pretty Fix! I can’t believe it’s already October! It seems like not long ago we were all excited to welcome spring and with that, the warmer weather and now here we are looking forward to some of that crisp fall air. I’m excited for this month’s Pretty Fix because I’m showcasing one of this season’s more intimidating trends, wide leg jeans. If you’ve been on this earth as long as I have, then this probably isn’t the first time you’ve seen this trend. Did you love them before? But now the question is, “How to wear them the second time around?” Today’s Pretty Fix features one easy way to style your wide leg jeans, but if you’d like to see more ideas, click here.
1. Gold Drop Earrings
I love a great set of gold earrings but I’m particularly partial to these earrings from A+A.😉They pair perfectly with this look however you can also opt for a simple gold hoop or stud.
2. Plum Blouse
This is one of my favorite fall colors! Because the shade can vary from a pretty wine color to a rich berry, you’re sure to find a shade that looks great with your skin tone. For this particular outfit, pick a shirt that is either more form fitting or long enough that you can do a full tuck or half tuck.
3. Wide Leg Jeans
I’ve said this with other items and wide leg jeans are no exception, it’s all about proportions! Because they are looser around the hips and get wider as they go down to the ankle, it’s important not to lose your waist. The key is wearing either a more form fitting shirt or a shirt that you can tuck in. Now whether you do the full tuck or the half tuck, that’s more of a personal preference, just be sure not to lose your waist.
4. Black Ankle Boots
You can never go wrong with having a pair of black ankle boots. They are an essential fall closet staple and can be worn with multiple styles of pants from skinny to bootcut and in this case, wide leg.
5. Layered Necklace
A layered necklace is the perfect middle ground between a simple pendant and a statement necklace. The many layers make it seem bigger but because the layers are usually dainty, it’s not quite as bold as a statement necklace would be. This is a great piece to have around and because many layered necklaces are able to be separated, you can create multiple looks with just one piece.
6. Black Handbag
Another closet staple you can’t go wrong with is having a timeless black handbag that you love! If you plan on investing in this piece, make sure to pick one that suits your lifestyle and what you carry in your purse on a daily basis. If it’s too small or too big it will spend more time in your closet then on your arm.
Bonus: Flare Jeans
If you’re still not sure about the wide leg jeans it’s okay. I always say that you should step outside your comfort zone once in a while but not to the point where you feel totally unsure or uncomfortable in what you’re wearing. With this look, you can easily swap out the wide leg jeans with some flare jeans. They are still very much on trend for the season but fit a little tighter around the waist and legs and start to flare after the knee.
In Real Life
Below I’m wearing this month’s Pretty Fix with one exception, I substituted the black ankle boots and wore my snake print booties. Unfortunately, they are sold out but here is a similar pair. I am just loving the way this outfit looks and feels and the plum blouse is perfect for fall. The shirt I’m wearing was so popular it’s also sold out but there are plenty of options above for you to choose from.
Your turn! Are you going to give wide leg jeans a try? Is it a heck yes or a no?
Do you struggle to put outfits together? Are you stuck in a yoga pants rut? Not sure if you can make the latest trends work for you? You’re in the right place!
I’m Alison, a mom of three and recovering yoga pants addict on a mission to make getting dressed and feeling pretty the easiest thing you do all day! Learn more about my story HERE.
I am so glad I was part of the Fall 2019 Style Challenge. It gave me confidence and so many great outfitt ideas. The ladies in the group were very supportive and I will defintetly be doing another challenge in the future.
Betty Weyandt December 20, 2019
I’ve been participating in the GYPO Style Challenges for three years now and I’ve loved it. I’ve always loved clothes, but I didn’t know how to put outfits together. My closet is now full of mix-and-match outfits, I have learned how to dress myself, and there is no more stress in figuring out to wear. The private FB group is full of wonderful ladies that build each other up. It’s so fun and is seriously the best group on FB.
Kirstin Rasmussen November 20, 2019
Get Your Pretty On has changed my life, seriously. I have always chased what is trendy but found from season to season, that things go out of style and I was wasting money on items that I would only end up wearing a few times. GYPO has enabled me to simplify my closet, helps me make smarter purchasing decisions, and I feel so put together and confident using the outfit formulas that are provided. This program is a GAME CHANGER. I've been following GYPO for a few years now and my only regret is not jumping on board sooner.
Michelle Kline November 20, 2019
Great community of ladies, helping each other look stylish, without breaking the bank, and using much of what you already own.
Chosen Faith November 19, 2019
GYPO challenges have been one of the best things I have done! It had taught me so much more than just creating a closet of clothes that I love but also to have confidence in myself, how to pick and choose colors that work for me instead of against, and had given a wonderful community of Pretties who are so special.
Maraline Freeman October 16, 2019
I love GYPO!!! I finally feel put together and stylish! The shopping lists and outfit combinations make shopping and getting dressed effortless.
Krista Probst October 16, 2019
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