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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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