HARPER’S BAZAAR FABULOUS AT EVERY AGE

Harper's Bazaar - Fabulous at Every Age- Winners of Contest 2017

Good Morning, everyone! Hope you had a great weekend. I know I already said last week that I was sick, but this has been the sickest I’ve been in a long time. I don’t think it is a sinus infection because I’m on antibiotics and haven’t gotten any better. Whatever it is, I hope it doesn’t come your way EVER!!! Today I wanted to share the experience I had a couple of weeks back when I went to New York for the Harper’s Bazaar Fabulous at Every Age luncheon and awards.

Every year, Harper’s has a contest called, Fabulous at Every Age and anyone ages 20 up can enter. They choose five winners for each demographic 20-60+. I entered on a whim last year and was notified that I was a semi-finalist. I didn’t win, so this year I decided to enter again and was shocked when I got the email that I had won for the 50’s decade. The contest was sponsored by Estee Lauder and Saks Fifth Avenue. Harper’s flew the five winners to New York for three days to meet up and be recognized at a awards luncheon.

I had no idea what to expect when I arrived. My husband went with me because it was his birthday and I knew we would have our nights free. When we reached the airport, they had a car waiting for us and took us to The Surrey Hotel. We checked in, and I was given a package with the schedule of events. I had thirty minutes to change then head upstairs to one of the Penthouses for a champagne meet and greet with the other women and the three Harper’s girls that would take care of us. We all met, and it was an instant “love fest”!  These women are amazing and will be my life long friends from here on out!

The next day we had to be back at the Penthouse at eight in the morning. They had a huge breakfast spread for us then we were out the door to Saks Fifth Avenue. At Saks, we were taken to a special room (where there was more to eat and drink) and given robes and slippers to change into. We were all on a little different schedule, getting makeup done, fittings, and videos made. We all received two outfits from ALC, that were chosen by Roxane Danset, the coolest stylist who works with Harper’s. Each of us was interviewed on camera for the awards ceremony that would be the next day. After we had finished up at Saks, we were put into cars and taken to the Estee Lauder headquarters (on 5th Avenue on the 40 something floor), which was one of the real highlights for me. We were treated to a champagne reception in the “parlor” of the office, which was decorated to look like Estee Lauder’s home. It was so beautiful, and the view of New York was amazing from these offices. We were escorted behind glass doors back to see Estee Lauder’s private office. They have kept it exactly as it was since her passing. I cannot tell you how beautiful it is. It has the original  “Gracie”  handpainted wallpaper that she had painted, with birds and butterflies, sterling frames with photos of family and Ronald and Nancy Regan, and a curio table filled with Estee Lauder limited edition compacts. I was in awe standing in that office.

The next morning, we all met up in the Penthouse again for hair, makeup, wardrobe, and lots of pictures. We (with our plus ones now) all got into cars and headed to Le Bernardin Prive for the luncheon. There were probably sixty or so people there. The room was filled with the Harper’s Bazaar Editors, other editors from different magazines, and higher-ups from Estee Lauder and Saks Fifth Avenue. It was a beautiful luncheon with the best food I’ve ever had at a luncheon! Glenda Bailey, editor of Harper’s got up and spoke first about how much the magazine loves this luncheon every year and recognizing each year’s group of five women. She is the most down to earth and cutest British woman! She then introduced Jessica Seinfeld (Jerry Seinfeld’s wife) who would speak on what she thought being fabulous is.

Next, Alexandra Parnass (who is a love!), the beauty editor for Harper’s spoke and introduced each of us and showed our video. We then went up and received our award and got to say a little something. I cannot tell you how surreal and emotional the whole thing was. I still can’t believe the whole thing happened and that I was given the opportunity to experience such a special three days with the other four winners and the three young women from Harper’s.

I want to introduce you to my new best friends. Please read this press release to learn more about these remarkable women! Each one of them is so special and it was an honor and blessing to stand beside them. I am so grateful to know them! You can also see more HERE too.

Harper's Bazaar - Fabulous at Every Age- Winners of Contest 2017

Jenna Maxfield (30’s), Ann Nyberg (60’s), Aimee Couture (Harper’s Bazaar and our fearless leader), Me, Michelle Cully (40’s) and our baby girl Amber Matthews (20’s)

Harper's Bazaar - Fabulous at Every Age- Winners of Contest 2017

Glenda Bailey (Harper’s editor) and Jessica Seinfeld

Harper's Bazaar - Fabulous at Every Age- Winners of Contest 2017

Genda Bailey and Alexandra Parnass (Harper’s beauty editor)

Accepting my award

Harper's Bazaar - Fabulous at Every Age- Winners of Contest 2017

Amber Matthews

Jenna Maxfield

Michelle Cully

Ann Nyberg

I hope you all have a great Monday! xx

Photos: Will Ragozzino

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