Guest Post by Marlene M. Kristoff

Style at a Certain Age Saturday guest editor Marlene M. Kristoff shares luxury retail, home, and design ideas.

Masquerades!! Magic!! Yes!!

How much fun we all have dressing up… imagining ourselves as others!! A little “pretend!”

We are all children at heart with dreams, fears, and images in our heads!

This is certainly the season of imagination and festive fun… and, of course, a MASK!!

Masquerades and Magic

Who would you like to be… for a few hours?? Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany, Cleopatra, Brigette Bardot, Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief, Catwoman, Josephine Baker, the Queen of Hearts or England? The Pope, The Joker, or Little Tramp?? Or un-identifiable?? Dripping with diamonds, crystals, feathers, and jewels??

Creating an evening of joy and amusement can be simple or elaborate. Elegant or casual for adults, children, or both!! It doesn’t have to be on the Riviera and may or may not include music and dancing!

similar earrings | similar earrings

Of course, it can be themed… very specifically or left to those attending to choose! In recent years, Save Venice has been quite apropos!

Tuman Capote’s famed Black & White Balls have even inspired Black & White Weddings! Très chic! Whether it is a party or simply creating ambiance at your door as a “character” for the little ones showing up to collect “treats,”; it is enjoyable to “pretend!” Maybe you’ll be a “Good Witch” with a wand or “I love Lucy” with Ethel! Create atmosphere misting with aromatherapy… a film on the big screen, candy treats, cupcakes, cookies, or healthy snacks! Boo! Enjoy!!

An evening with Actors, Artists, Disney or Nursery Rhyme characters, historical figures, Animals, Flowers, or Vegetables – and be creative fun! Of course, there are traditional witches, ghoulish vampires, and on and on! Some of their finery is perfect and festive for winter and upcoming holiday parties and New Year’s Eve 2022! Be inspired!

For all of these trick or treat events, fabulous kohl “eyes” and defined, sumptuous lips that speak, are a must!! Costumes can draw on the classic Little Black Dress, a bit of lace, suede, feathers, fishnets, fringe, crystals, and more…

Today, it seems pink, purple, blue & lavender hair is the rage…colored nails of black, white, lime green, or blue!! Manicurists and hairdressers are working magic… and not just for Halloween!! Wild… fun, particularly these days!!

Pops Nail Polish

Ostrich Feather Cuff

Crystal Ring

I happen to adore Old Films, Foreign Films, the Academy Awards, and Italian Carnevale. What inspires you…the Met Galas, Fashion, Art, Literature perhaps?? A little Dali and Bardot?

Elizabethan performances, Opera, Chinese Theatre, Japanese Noh dramas, and Films all inspire wonderful masks and costumes…and now everything from Fairy Queens to Miss Kitty, Sesame Street, Batman – Spiderman, and Tom Brady inspires the little ones! Enjoy with smiles!!

Some of us dress up just for the day…for work, to go shopping or dining! Some create fun menus, desserts, or special treats for the knock at the door! Sugarfina has a world of goodies… refill and transport some in a charming carrier trunk! Sugar Lips, Peach Bellini’s, Champagne Bears…treats galore!

Sugarfina Mini Candy Box

However you celebrate!! Have fun!! Cheers!! Life is joyous!! Yes, even now…. enjoy a little masquerade…and a bit of magic too!!

Reusable Lace Mask

Happy Halloween!! xoxo MMK

Guest Post by Marlene M. Kristoff

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Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.

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