Meet the Grand Prize Winner of the first-ever MORE/Wilhelmina 40+ Model Search.
Born: 11/14/1947Occupation: Full-time model; former speech pathologistChildren: Two grown daughtersHometown: Los Angeles, California
Style: "I love clothes. I tend to like darker colors because of my hair. I like thing simple with an interestingly-cut jacket or shirt. I don't wear a lot of jewelry. I opt for minimalism. If I wear earrings, I won't wear a necklace."
Inspiration: "My inspiration starts with my mother. She was always very unique in her sense of style, and I think I've acquired that from her. I get my inspiration now from some of my friends, the entrepreneurs. As far as famous people go, I really respect Susan Sarandon. I like her politics and her courage."
Special Skill: "Attitude is number one -- just being in a good place in your life will work wonders."
Biggest Challenge: "As a former speech pathologist, I had a very predictable job before, as far as the hours. Now I have to be flexible. You get a call, you have to go somewhere, sometimes in just a matter of days. You have to be spontaneous but that's also exciting. I have gone to places I never would have gone to. I've met interesting people I never would have met."
On Being 40+: "Forty isn't what it used to be. It's great. It's the beginning, I think, of womanhood. Embrace your wisdom. Your life evolves in a different way. Make changes if you don't like something. This isn't our mother's midlife. There's an openness -- we can talk about what was once unacceptable. We're busier. Staying grounded is an effort."
Beauty Routine: "I go to the dermatologist regularly. I always try out new skin products. Haircuts are important and so is keeping the right weight for your body type."
Beauty Secret: "Stay out of the sun. I used to be a sun-worshipper. I don't do sun anymore. I recommend a face-wash called Leaf Rusher Green Tea. I stay away from soap. Right now I'm on to Armani cosmetics. Less is always better. We need a glow. But if you try to mask the lines and wrinkles too much, it just looks worse."
Best Beauty Habit: "I work with a trainer two days a week. That's where it all starts. You don't need to be fanatical, but you need to find the workout that's right for you."
Worst Habit: "I am the potato chip queen. If there's a bag around, I'm all over it!"
Anti-Aging Must: "Stay out of the sun!"
