Category Archives: Life

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 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

Style goes to the dogs

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

There have been some recent changes here at Frump Central. After years of enjoying the freewheeling lifestyle of people without children or pets, Monsieur Frump and I have been granted temporary custody of a dog. Meet Charlie: Absurdly cute, isn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Life | Tagged | 24 Comments

Wardrobe setbacks (and a silver lining)

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

When we get dressed in the morning, we create our persona for the day. As we go into the world, we hope to communicate positive messages about ourselves.   Depending on the day, we may hope to appear confident, competent, … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 29 Comments

Jewels for a requiem

Posted on April 23, 2011 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

My chorus will be performing Mozart’s Requiem in a couple of weeks.  This beautiful, moody and mysterious piece is one of choral music’s most beloved works. If you ever saw the film or play Amadeus, you may recall that Mozart … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, Life | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

A Blustery Day in Boston

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

Most folks were trying to get by in their light spring jackets and hoodies, but they looked fairly miserable as they braced themselves against the stiff wind and 44-degree temperatures. I wore my winter parka, which I was certain I’d … Continue reading →

Posted in Life | Tagged , | 16 Comments

The Solace of Shiny Things

Posted on April 3, 2011 by Anne @ The Frump Factor

Spring Fever is raging through Frump Factor headquarters at the moment.  When this happens, I get the irresistible urge to walk away from the ever-growing pile of student papers on my desk and go have silly, frivolous fun for a … Continue reading →

Posted in Beauty, Life, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Hangin’ with the Golden Girls

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

There’s nothing quite like shopping “Senior Citizens’ Day” at Beall’s.  Beall’s (pronounced Bell’s) is Southwest Florida’s premiere department store — at least according to the very frugal women in my family. Of course, one could argue that at Beall’s, as … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Life, Over40, Shopping | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments