Meet the Real Golden Girl, Stylish Vivacious, Kim Frick

I have known Kim ‘virtually’ for years and have long wanted to share her story here. Following in the footsteps of my original partner, Elizabeth (the Vintage Contessa), I’m honored to interview her today. Kim possesses a smile as big as Texas and a spirit to match. Even in the face of recent personal loss after the death of her husband, she continues to lead with strength and heart… Meet the Real Golden Girl, Stylish Vivacious, Kim Frick whom I am proud to call a friend!

First off, tell us a little bit about yourself – your upbringing, and what motivated you to get started on social media where you inspire women to live life at any age.

I grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois. A wonderful place in the 60’s and 70’s with my 2 sisters and my 2 brothers. We attended Catholic Grammar School and the public high school. I went to college, and it wasn’t for me, so I began working in downtown Chicago in the 70’s. It was a fun and exciting time. The fashion in the 70’s will always be my favorite. The stores overflowed with inspiration and ideas. I Magnin, Bonwit Teller, Marshall Fields, Saks Fifth Avenue, it was so glamorous and new. After 8 years of Catholic uniforms, you can imagine my wonder! My mom and sister had great style, too. We read all the magazines at the time. From Glamour to W, I absorbed it all like a sponge. The Suzy column was so fun to read about fashion, parties and who was who.

After my 3 kids were grown, I got a job as a stylist at a local store. One day they said a new part of the job included Instagram to promote our store, share styling, etc. I had a flip phone with no camera! It was a steep learning curve, but I loved it. After I retired, I stopped posting and local women would stop me and ask why I wasn’t posting anymore. After explaining that I retired they encouraged me to start up again because at that time there were very few women of our demographic (age) on the gram. I did and it’s been an amazing thing to connect with women around the world. There really is so much good that comes from connecting. I don’t know with all the changes what will come next but as long as people are relating, I’ll keep trying to encourage women that life is good and beautiful, messy too, but we are strong and resilient. We can and should keep ourselves in the game of life. 

You reside in Texas – tell us what it’s like living there and what you love most about it? Could you see yourself living anywhere other than Texas?

I always say I am a Yankee in Texas! As soon as I speak people here ask where I am from. That Midwest accent stays strong and yet I have embraced Y’all like a true Texan. I love the friends I have here. They are all different with lots of different perspectives, yet we all care deeply for each other. Texas women are tough and kind and gosh I have learned so much from them. Not to mention how they pull themselves together. More is more and everything is bigger in Texas. There are lots of places I dream of living. Italy, Paris and maybe one day back to the Midwest. Starting over in a new place sounds scary and a bit of a challenge but new things keep us on our toes don’t you think? After living here 30 years I think paring down my life, home and collections would be quite the task. Never say never. 

You are a kidney donor, with the recipient being your brother!. Would you feel comfortable sharing this experience? If so, tell us about being a donor.

Happy to share our donation story. If anyone reading this is curious or is wondering about donation, I would love to connect and share more. It took almost 12 years from start to finish to get it done. My brother has been a type 1 diabetic since he was in grammar school. Diabetes is pretty tough on the body, and he did everything he could but eventually his kidneys started failing. It has to be pretty bad before they will consider doing a transplant. All my siblings who could got tested. I was first to be tested 12 years before but during screening a lump was found in my breast. It was not cancer and I was fine. 12 years later after his scores dipped again. My youngest sister was tested and if you can even believe it, they discovered breast cancer. She says he saved her life. I was up again and this time after extensive tests, I was approved. It was during Covid and protocol was pretty tough, but we finally got approval. We are so appreciative of the outpouring of support and love we received. Prayers from all around the world covered me in peace. I was pretty calm as I was wheeled in for surgery. When I found out it was a success I cried like a baby. If I could, I seriously would do this again. It was a few weeks of being uncomfortable, sore and tired but after that I was just fine. To help a person feel better, to have a chance at more time with their family is the reward. They say I gave the gift, but the real gift was given to me. The real hero of this story is not me. It’s my brother (the strongest person I know), his wife (a saint) and their wonderful kids. I encourage anyone to look into donations.

You lost your husband of 46 years in October of 2024. As painful as this is, what words of advice or guidance would you have for anyone going through the loss of a spouse? What have you found that has helped you in your grief?

Oh gosh, I have no advice to give people dealing with grief. Each journey is their own. It is beyond anything I have ever experienced. A whole new life happens immediately. My children, my siblings, Ed’s siblings and family have become a real source of comfort. It is up and down. You have to learn so much so quickly. There is so much to do. All I can say is to be gentle and kind to yourself. Accept help from friends, neighbors, and family. It wasn’t easy for me to accept help. I am so grateful for so much. I had a husband who protected us and provided for us, he saw our children grow up and he is very proud of them, as am I. I miss his voice, his hand in mine, his tender kiss, his great stories, how he laughed and made us laugh. He was so witty and wise. I treasure the memories of the good times. He will be in my heart forever. Gratitude has seen me through so far.

Mental health and overall wellness are such important topics these days. How do you stay feeling your best, both physically and mentally?

Well, this year has been different, and I know it and I feel it. Alone time in the garden where I talk to Ed has been helpful. It’s time (past time) to pull myself together and get back to walking, yoga and light weights. A year of figuring things out has put me on the back burner. So yes, good food, good friends, laughter and movement are the goals this next year.

Describe your sense of style in five words:

Eclectic

Personal

Fun

Elevated

Chic

What pieces in your wardrobe do you return to year after year despite current trends?

Caftans (year-round) and linen in the summer, cotton pajamas, crocs in the garden, Ugg slippers, crisp white blouses, great fitting blue jeans, blazers (always a sharp blazer), good shoes and great bags (never go out of style)

Accessories! From cowboy hats to bags and everywhere in between – what are you loving right now?

I am really loving the comeback of the Western Ralph Lauren look. The classics! From boots, hats, belts, bags, jewelry, I love it all! No matter where you live, I think you can take inspiration from those classic looks of his to incorporate into your own style.

Your daughter, Liza (@thatblonderebel), is also on social media! How did she get started and what advice have you shared with her along the way (and vice versa!)

Liza and I worked together in retail. Actually, she worked there first! She became my Instagram husband (Ed would fill in when she wasn’t available and did a pretty good job!) After several people approached me and encouraged me to do it, it was actually Liza who said I should try it. I told her I would if she would and the rest is history. She is soooo good at this. Her authenticity is what makes her shine. I am so proud of her. To be real and authentic, to put yourself out there isn’t easy. She is inspiring so many with her wit, her vulnerability and her amazing style. I absolutely love being her number one fan. Plus, her help for me technology-wise is priceless! 

Outside of your presence on social media, tell us what hobbies you enjoy – we know you love gardening and cooking – tell us what else you do for fun!

I do love cooking and gardening. My garden was my salvation this year. Cooking has changed without Ed. But I still love good, fresh food. I play Bunco and am in a book club. In the past I did a lot of volunteer work. Covid changed a lot of that. I love movies, shopping, antiquing, decorating, and travel. Travel is one of my very favorite things to do. What travel does to open up our hearts and minds is beyond.

You have beautiful, healthy blonde hair. How do you keep it looking fabulous and what are some of your must-have haircare brands and products that you have found to work well for blonde hair?

Thank you! My hair is actually not blonde, but grey and mouse brown!!! I give all credit to my hairdresser who is helping me transition to grey! The products we use are Keratase, Moroccan Oil, purple shampoo and lots of conditioner. The texture spray is much better for my hair than dry shampoo. I try to stay away from heat as much as possible. I hate to say this, but I only wash my hair every 7 days or so if I can. It just feels better that way.

What makeup tips can you offer to women with blonde hair and blue eyes that you are loving for skin over 50?

Sunscreen is a MUST for any age. I’ve always used it on my face and neck, but I wish I had used it on my chest and hands more. I have begun using some vegan oils and creams to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. A little bit of baby Botox on my forehead is a game changer. I do use a primer after skincare and before makeup. I started using bronzer years ago and please ladies try it. A light hand is best. Bronzer brings us back to life. Find a great lip color. I still use lip liner but do not line the entire lip, I only line the center of my lips. Eyebrow color and a mascara for sensitive eyes is now a must-have for me too. A setting spray gives a glow. Skin care above all else. I love trying new products as the beauty scene changes so quickly. I have sensitive skin, so I only share what I have tried, and think is a good thing.

If you could give your younger self any words of advice, what would they be?

Relax, it’s all going to work out. If it won’t matter in 5 years it doesn’t matter.

Share your words to live by:

Start every day with gratitude. Tough times are hard, but they pass and you learn so much about yourself. My faith has seen me through. Be connected, be kind and compassionate. Your kindness makes a difference. And always try your best.

I hope you enjoyed this post, Meet the Real Golden Girl, Stylish Vivacious, Kim Frick. Whether she is sharing a fashion find or a quiet moment of reflection, Kim continues to prove that life’s most beautiful chapters are written with equal parts style and strength. Her ability to find light even in life’s most difficult times is an inspiration to all of us over 60 and beyond. Thank you, Kim, for sharing your incredible grace and vibrant outlook on aging with style.

You can follow Kim on Instaram here, her blog here on Facebook here, on Pinterest here.

You can find all of our previous Ageless Style interviews here.