There’s been lots of buzz about a new release on the ever-popular chick-lit scene. Stephanie Dolgoff’s My Formerly Hot Life: Dispatches from Just the Other Side of Young takes a humorous look at how she identifies herself as a “formerly“—the term she uses to define her gradual transformation from a hot, young twenty-something to a not-so-hot middle aged wife and mom (who shamelessly admits she’d “buy an ass-bra” these days!)
She recalls the subtle signs suggesting she had entered that strange limbo between old and young. Salespeople in swanky shops were no longer flocking to assist her. All of the cool hangouts she used to know no longer existed. Once the kind of girl who never spent time at home, she now caught herself speaking highly of her Swiffer. It finally hit her like lightning one day on the subway when a sexy stranger asked her for the time. She braced herself for the pick-up line that usually followed, but this time it didn’t come. Sexy stranger wanted only the time, and went back to reading his book. In that moment she realized she just wasn’t “that” girl—the one who always got hit on by sexy men on the subway, the young, hot girl “in the know” about all things trendy. She’d have to come to terms with this confusing in-between phase of life.
With each hilarious observation it occurred to me … we’re all “formerly” in some way. After all, in just the past year, I’ve traded my high heels for ballet flats, the word Spanx is officially in my vocabulary, and the only hot-spot in town that I know of is the fro-yo shop a few blocks from my house (to which I also have a member’s card). So, being a writer for BounceBack.com, this got me thinking. What happens if the day after your break-up or divorce you look in the mirror and discover—oh no—”I’m a formerly!” Perhaps you were formerly stylish, or formerly skinny. Maybe you were formerly cool. Do you just blame your ex for stealing the best years of life and give up? Hell no. If you’re struggling with the fact that you’re not the young hottie you once were, here are three quick BounceBack tips to help you uncover a sexy, fabulous you at any age.
Don’t attempt to recapture your youth. Dressing younger than your age can make you look older … and desperate. Accept your age, dress your age and be proud of it. While you may no longer be the barely-drinking-age rebel you used to be, having a few years under your belt definitely has its perks. The goal is to adore who you are at this very moment.
Try putting yourself first every now and then. You’ve earned it. Stop focusing on your flaws and pamper yourself already. Carving out time for some meditation, a bubble bath, or a massage won’t cost much and will help you reclaim your balance.
Know where “sexy” really comes from. Bottom line—it’s all about confidence. A flirty smile, a self-assured walk, a bold sense of humor—this is what being hot is really all about.
Now it’s your turn. What kind of “formerly” are you? Are you formerly cutting-edge, but now you’re cutting coupons? Maybe you’re formerly wild? Formerly care-free? Formerly stiletto wearing? Formerly working
By Jennifer Anastasi for BounceBack
