By Kay Renz
If you love the films of the 40’s and 50’s, then you will surely remember Jane Russell.
The gorgeous and voluptuous starlet first came to America’s attention in the famously banned Howard Hughes film, “The Outlaw.” She then went on to have a lengthy career in a variety of films co-starring with such luminaries as Bob Hope, Clark Gable, Frank Sinatra, and of course Marilyn Monroe in the iconic, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”
Last week, Jane visited Delray Beach’s Crest Theatre to reminisce about Hollywood’s Golden Years, and she even sang 5 or 6 songs. This sold-out
Jane Russell at Crest Theater in Delray.
event was even more remarkable when you realize that Jane will be 90 years old this year! Still statuesque and witty, the legend chatted with the theater’s executive director, Joe Gillie, about her career, her romances, and many of her co-stars. Afterwards, she graciously greeted the hundreds of guests who came to see her. It was truly a glimpse at the last of a bygone era, when glamour was not just for red carpet moments…but was truly a state of being.
Runway Chic….Oleda Takes the Stage
Another ageless beauty is our own Oleda Baker. While she dispenses her beauty secrets in her Boca Tribune column, we discussed fashion! Recently Oleda took to the runway in clothing from Caché in Wellington to help raise funds for Yasah Hadassah.
At 76 years old (yes, it’s OK okay for me to say that….when you look this great you want everyone to know!) the model, book author, entrepreneur has a fun and fresh take on shopping. She does not really like it!! However, she loved Caché, adoring their styles. “I like very much the fabrics they work with…so comfortable and easy-to-wear,” she said. The fabric designs are soft, beautiful and simple.”
Now getting back to her not liking to shop, difficult to believe, but true. She especially dislikes jeans! Gotta love it when a model expressing disdain for searching for the perfect pair of denims!
While Oleda would rather be painting than shopping, she has some sage advice on the process. “Living on the East side of Manhattan for 30 years it was easy to walk through Bloomie’s or Saks on the way to “someplace else” and look around,” she said.
That “looking around” often led her to a great find and a wonderful habit.
“I try to shop when I don’t really need to… no pressure… and stash things away for when I do,” she continued. Great advice!
Back in 1978, Oleda wrote a book for Prentice-Hall, “How to Create the Illusion of a More Perfect Figure.” In her recently released book, “Breaking the Age Barrier, Great Looks and Health at Every Age,” she has a chapter on that same subject.
Creating that illusion, however is about avoiding mistakes, so we discussed what she feels are fashion faux pas.
“If I had to choose the biggest mistake women make (older or younger) it would be, dressing in pieces – not looking at the overall effect of the
Oleda Baker
final look,” she explained. “The Germans have a word for it – Gestalt. It means a unified whole: No matter how beautiful any part of the whole is, it is the whole that must look beautiful.”
“One example could be too much jewelry…sitting close up looking in a mirror it could look good, but standing 5 feet away looking in a full length mirror the question should be asked: is there too much going on ? If you’re not sure, then the answer is YES. A too-busy outfit and too much jewelry on face, neck, hands and arms is not a beautiful look, even though each individual part may be.”
“A woman’s best friend and confidante is a full length mirror,” Oleda declares. “You can see the whole and it won’t lie to you to make you feel good!”
“For us older women, the worst mistake is following fads or trends that don’t suit your body,” she said. “Playing up what’s new in fashion instead of what most flatters your body type. The classics most always flatter the body!”
Classic advice from a Classic Beauty…thanks Oleda!