Author Archives: Anne @ The Frump Factor

About Anne @ The Frump Factor

Reflections on beauty and style, for women who weren't born yesterday. Bring your sense of humor and "Fight the Frump" with me!

Special TV offer! Act now!

Posted on July 15, 2012 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

I’ve been spending lots of time at the gym lately, and not because I’m suddenly dedicated to fitness, believe me. No. Unlike my house, the gym is air-conditioned.  So even though exercise is far from my first-choice activity, I’ve been … Continue reading →

Posted in Beauty, Humor, Over40 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 40 Comments

Shopping with Mom

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

I recently returned from a visit to the Frump Factor ancestral home. It was here that I endured junior high school, an endless sequence of bad haircuts, and culottes. So let’s just say the style legacy I left behind is … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, Life, Over40, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , | 28 Comments

Once in a lifetime

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

I recently attended my 25th college reunion. The journey involved a seemingly endless car trip, during which the rocky ridges of Massachusetts gave way to the green meadows of New York and, finally, the wide, open fields of Ohio. I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Life, Over40, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

The mascara games: Fear and loathing at the drugstore

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

Not too long ago, as I was half-squatting, half-sprawling on the floor of my local drugstore, unsuccessfully searching the lowest possible shelf for a replacement mascara, a question popped into my head. Do all beauty products get discontinued within a … Continue reading →

Posted in Beauty, Humor, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , | 38 Comments

Late to the arm party

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

When I was in my early thirties, I used to make bead necklaces. It was fun while also being a source of endless frustration. For every successful necklace that got worn, there were several others that just didn’t work out. … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 28 Comments

Fantasy vs. reality: The closet edition

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

In the fantasy, I stroll into my perfectly organized closet to assemble my perfectly coordinated outfit. My clothes are color-coordinated and organized by type. Outfits assemble themselves effortlessly. After a quick glance in my beautifully lit, 3-way mirror, I smile … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , , , , | 32 Comments

Not quite an “it bag”

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

We’ve all heard about the “it bag” — the gaudy, blingy, overpriced-but-I’ve-got-to-have-it bag of the moment. Your attitude toward the “it bag” may depend on your value system, budget, and/or personal political philosophy. To you, “it bags” may be odious … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion | Tagged , , , | 22 Comments

The other gold

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

Mr. Frump and I recently got together with two old friends.   They started out as Mr. Frump’s coworkers, but they soon became friends in earnest.  But things changed, as they often do: first the job, then our residence.  Even … Continue reading →

Posted in Life, Over40 | Tagged , , | 18 Comments

All aboard the gratitude express!

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

This is the time of year when many of us pause to reflect, with gratitude, on all the good things in our lives.  But what about all the bad things that are finally gone from our lives?  Can’t we be grateful … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Life, Over40 | Tagged , | 16 Comments

Dressing in the dark (and other joys of fall)

Posted on October 15, 2011 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

We are entering the time, my friends, when leaving the house with one black shoe and one navy blue shoe is a very real danger.  While I’ve never done this myself, I’ve seen it happen.  Lack of natural light in … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, Humor, PersonalStyle | Tagged , , , , , , | 30 Comments