I am so thrilled to have Valerie Ramsey join Elizabeth (aka the Vintage Contessa) and me this month for our latest addition of Ageless Style. Valerie doesn’t know it but she is the very person that inspired me to go gray. Valerie lived here on the Central Coast for many years but now resides in Florida. Valerie stayed home and raised her six children until embarking on a Public Relations Career with Pebble Beach Resorts after the age of 50. She is a published author, model, magazine editor and motivational speaker. Did I mention that all of this happened in her sixties? Currently, in her seventies, she hasn’t slowed down a bit. I am so happy that we could catch up with her for this month’s Ageless Style.
How would you describe your style?
Classic – simple – slightly sporty – but with a strong feminine spirit and a great cut. To quote a line I recently came across in Town & Country – “Class with a bit of dash and never trash.” I like things that make me look and feel my best and smile from the moment I put them on.
What inspires your signature style?
That all depends on where I am. I have lived in the Northeast, on the West Coast, and currently in South Florida. I travel around the country to places like New York, San Francisco and Houston for business but also to some rural towns. I hike in the mountains and spend lazy days on the beach. When I’m in a big city, museums and great restaurants influence my choices. Wherever I happen to be, that’s what inspires my style. It could be blue jeans and a denim shirt out west, white pants with a colorful tunic in Florida, or a sophisticated black dress and coat with boots in the city.
What accessory can you not do without?
I have a favorite neckpiece that I wear almost exclusively – a large Greek coin that dates back to 300BC. It has a Greek king on one side and Apollo the Hunter on the other. It is set in gold with a ruby and diamonds and rests on a wide gold chain. When I’m not wearing that, I lean towards a pearl choker that was a gift from Tiffany’s when my first book, Gracefully – Looking & Being Your Best at Any Age, (co-written with my daughter, Heather Hummel and published by McGraw Hill), came out. When I’m in Palm Beach, Florida, I love to wear colorful, chunky neckpieces. Jewelry aside – I have a weakness for a great handbag.
Favorite color
Very light aqua is one that I’m crazy about – particularly down here in Florida where it’s the color of the Atlantic Ocean. I also love white, khaki and black.
What are your style strengths?
I would have to say that knowing what suits me, having a definite sense of what I can and cannot wear, is my strong suit. I am 5’9” and very slender, so I like clothes that hug my body and give me a great shape – a defined waist – and are in proportion with my particular build.
Do you have a style icon?
When I was younger – during the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, I admired Jackie Kennedy. Today, to my eye, Melania Trump has great style and always looks fabulous…. Classic, chic, stylish, and in excellent taste. Everything she wears is always appropriate and shows her own brand of originality.
What are the beauty essentials that you couldn’t do without?
I am a great believer in exfoliating and have a favorite brand that I pick up at the Vitamin Shoppe. I use Clinique Clarifying Lotion (it works wonders evening out your complexion and making it glow). I also like their Dramatically Different moisturizer and L’Oréal Revitalift for the eyes.
Two of my favorite makeup products are L’Oréal Infallible foundation and their Voluminous mascara (which I learned about from makeup artists on photo shoots).
The most important beauty essential of all? It’s not a product. It’s what’s inside. It’s joy, happiness confidence, and being more interested in others than we are in ourselves. It’s being resilient, healthy and strong…having a purpose, moving forward with your life. It’s connecting your mind, body, and spirit to create your best self.
Do you have repeat offenders in your closet, and if so, what are they?
Well, yes – particularly in Florida. Skinny white pants with blue denim shirts or a tunic from Gretchen Scott, jeans if it isn’t too hot, and believe it or not, Lululemon Define jackets! Even though our climate is hot in the summer (and wonderfully cool in the winter), everything is air-conditioned, and those little jackets hug around the middle and feel really nice. I also have a few Ralph Lauren fitted blazers that I wear a lot with white pants and a great looking shirt.
What advice do you have for women over 50, or over 40?
Wear what you love – whatever makes you feel good – what expresses who you are – and make sure that it fits well. Find a good local tailor, and buy the best quality that you can afford. Look in a full-length 3-way mirror, don’t try to look like your teenage daughter, and please don’t wear miniskirts!!! Not unless you want to look foolish and add on years, anyway. One more No No – forget the thin leggings. They show every ounce of cellulite and look dreadful. Who needs that???! Heavier leggings are ok.
Do you have any style rules that you live by?
Whatever I wear has to give me joy when I put it on. I look for styles that suit me, that express who I am, show off my figure to its best advantage, and that are timeless (but I’m not too strict – I leave room for some fun pieces, too!) I am a stickler for fit. If a small alteration isn’t going to do it for me, I let it go. No matter how much I think I love it, I’ll never wear it.
What are your favorite online go to sources?
Hmmmm – that’s a tough one because I never purchase clothes online. I have to see it, feel it, and try it on. I can’t be bothered with sending things back. Amazon for everything from books to tried and true cosmetics (or out of date ones!) – and all sorts of other things, now that’s a different story. What a convenience if I don’t have time to shop!
Do you have a particular designer that you are drawn to?
Ralph Lauren is most definitely my favorite, but there are others that I’m drawn to as well. Michael Kors, for example.
For accessories, I love Gucci handbags and both Hermès and David Yurman jewelry.
Finally – I couldn’t be writing about the things I believe in without touching on the essence of what I am truly all about. Although I love fashion and have modeled for Ford and Wilhelmina Models, among others, my real passion lies with speaking and sharing myself, my stories, and the lessons I have learned about Creating What’s Next with audiences all over the country. After raising six marvelous children on the East Coast, my husband and I moved to California. I was 53 and I knew that now it was my time – that I could reinvent my life and make the second half just as wonderful and fulfilling as the first half had been. I created many “What’s Nexts” after that including heading up public relations for Pebble Beach Resorts for 15 years, authoring two books with Heather Hummel, (Gracefully – Looking & Being Your Best at Any Age and Creating What’s Next – Gracefully) joining the national speakers circuit, signing with Ford models at 63, appearing on numerous TV shows, and editing Fabulously 50 magazine. In September I was very honored to be a featured speaker at this year’s CCWC-Fresno, which attracted 4,000 women.
I definitely believe in living a fit, young & vital life, and I am always looking around the corner to see What’s Next!
When I contacted Valerie about being featured here on Ageless Style she graciously sent me her latest book. I devoured it in two days. Valerie believes in the power and strength of women, and that we are ” uniquely suited to lead, to inspire, and to do great things –no matter what our age”. I am 63, soon to be 64, and still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up. If you are interested in being your best self at any age you will love her books. You can buy her books on Amazon by clicking on the books below
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Thank you so much for inspiring us to “be our best selves” Valerie. If you would like more information about Valerie or interested in booking her for a speaking engagement go to her website here. You can follow her on instagram here, on facebook here, and on twitter @ValerieHRamsey.
Now stop by the Contessa’s blog to see who she is featuring this month. She always has someone interesting!
Hi Juliet!
I am so happy that you enjoyed Cindy’s blog. It sounds like you are in a very similar state to where I was when I turned 53 and we had just moved from the east coast to the west coast. As it turned out, that was just the start of all sorts of brand new careers and adventures, although I had no idea at the time what they would be or how I would even begin to pull them off. I figured it out though, mostly by trusting my instincts, and you will too.
I think you will find a lot of good advice and how-to’s in Creating What’ Next, and I wish you great success as your go forward.
Valerie
I love this series you do with the Contessa and how each of the woman you feature represents each of your unique styles. Facing down my 57th birthday, six years after leaving my first career and nearly two years after moving to a new state I still have no idea what I want to be when I grow up and appreciate that I’m not alone. I’m ordering Valerie’s books NOW! xo
What a lovely way to start the day – reading this inspiring story. Valerie is elegant both inside and out. Thanks, Cindy! 🙂
I am so glad you enjoyed Valerie Amanda. She is such a positive role model!
Hi Amanda!
You were so kind to write in about Cindy’s blog. I was so honored that she selected me, and I have been having the nicest time responding to all of these kind emails. Every one of them has made me smile and say “Thank you!”
Thank you for connecting. I love it!
Valerie
Bravo on starting such a great career after 50 (and kudos to the manager who hired Valerie; too many people over 50 face age discrimination). I am surprised she wasn’t a lifelong model–she certainly has the looks. The first photo is my favorite–all lady boss. Goals!
And that necklace is amazing–I think if I had such a piece I would wear it exclusively, too. A work of art.
Good morning!
Loved your comment. Thank you so much. Yes – I was very fortunate to have been hired by Pebble Beach Resorts at the age of 53 and to have been given such a fabulous 15-year career there. I loved every minute of it. As for modeling before turning 50 – it had been my lifelong dream to have a big family, and so those years were spent being a stay-at-home mom raising 6 terrific children. I truly feel that I have been blessed to have had the best of both worlds. I have also been extremely lucky to have such a supportive husband. We will be celebrating our 59th anniversary next month!
Have a beautiful day, and thank you again for your comment.
Valerie
Thank you so much for your kind comments about Valerie. She is darling!
Thank YOU for featuring Valerie. More people should know that our brains (and our lives) don’t stop working at age 50.
This is an excellent series you and la Contessa are doing. These women are great role models.
Cindy,
This one is truly inspiring. Her accomplishments after 50 is wonderful and certainly she is a role model for those of us that are a little older, never too old to do what you love.
xo,
Karen
Hi Karen!
Thank you! I might add a quote from George Sand who wrote, “It’s never too late to be who you might have been.” I think it’s such a fallacy that it’s all down hill after 50. With the right mindset, 50 can be the start of a whole new adventure!
Wishing you a beautiful day,
Valerie
So true Karen! She is one fabulous lady!
This series is so much fun. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
xo,
Karen
“Find a good local tailor, and buy the best quality that you can afford.” So wise! Valerie is so lovely. Great choice!
Mary Ann
Thank you, Mary Ann! I’m so happy that you enjoyed Cindy’s post this month. I am loving the connection with you and others that being her choice this month is bringing me. Thank you so much for your comment!
Have a lovely day,
Valerie
Hello Gail!
You are so kind. Your sweet words are appreciated more than I can say. I’m delighted that you enjoyed Cindy’s post this. month. She is a dream, isn’t she? I couldn’t be happier that we have connected.
Speaking is memos favorite thing to do, so if you have need of a speaker, please do let me know!
Valerie
Talk about inspriration for those of us over 50, 60, and beyond. WOW, she is amazing and beautiful inside and out. Thank you for bringing her to your Ageless Style blog post, sure would love to hear her speak. DEFINITELY want her books and to check out her website.
And then let’s talk about you Ms. Cindy, you’re right up there at the top for inspiring ageless style and beauty!
Hi Gail
Valerie is such a lovely spirit isn’t she? You will love her books. Great ones to snag and take on the airplane. Thanks Gail for the kind comments re me, a model I am not!
That was fun Cindy! So glad you were inspired to feature Valerie! I love how she puts just as much emphasis on what is on the “inside”!
Thank you, Patricia. It’s so true, isn’t it? It really is the things like gratitude, love, kindness, enthusiasm, caring for others – those things and so much more – that make a woman beautiful. Those are the things we will be remembered for.
Valerie
Hi Pat
Miss you! Thanks for the kind comments about Valerie. You would love her book. She reminds me of you actually.
Thank you Cindy.
Wow! Pretty gorgeous. I don’t think even if I lost 10 pounds I’d look as good. She has obviously lived the life of which she writes about. Obviously a very talented, beautiful and inspiring woman. Great choice Cindy. I agree, at 77 I’m still trying to figure out what I’m going to be.
You are so nice, Sandra! Thank you ever so much. Your kind words are greatly appreciated.
Sending you all may best –
Valerie
Sandra you are just as fabulous as Valerie. You are fit, fun and gorgeous! You both are inspirations to us all!
PS. I PURCHASED THE BOOKS LADIES………..THEY ARE VERY REASONABLE NOW ON AMAZON!
LET’s SHOW OUR SPIRIT AND INVEST IN AGELESS STYLE AND SUPPORT ONE OF OUR GORGEOUS PEERS!!!!!!WE MAY LEARN SOMETHING!!!XX
SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!
I will DEFINITELY BUY HER BOOKS!I LOVE A WOMAN who has CREATED A LIFE AFTER 50………..
INSPIRATION INSPIRATION!!!!!!!!
VALERIE what is that GOLD NECKLACE UP TOP with the DENIUM JACKET?THAT IS STUNNING!
SO happy CINDY TRACKED YOU DOWN THANK YOU for being part of OUR AGELESS STYLE SERIES!!!!!!!!!
LA CONTESSA
Dear La Contessa!
Thank you so much for your kind words. It is always such a joy to me when I can connect with like minded people. I’m thrilled that Cindy tracked me down, too. It’s nice to have a connection back to Carmel. My husband and I lived there for 25 years, and even after 7 years here in Florida, I still miss it a lot. Florida has its charms too, but there is so place like the Monterey Peninsula.
Don’t you just love that neck piece? I do too! It’s from Stephanie Kantis and her jewelry is sold at Saks and Neiman Marcus – as well as online, I think. Her website is http://www.stephanieanne.com.
Enjoy the books!\ – and thank you so much for your support! I look forward to seeing your blog, too
We have had some good ones and Valerie is one of the best partner!! I couldn’t do it without you!