FOF, with or without makeup
Every time I read a message from another FOF woman registering for www.faboverfifty.com, I want to call her. Each statement is filled with the passion, honesty, spirit and wisdom that define my generation. I can’t wait until we celebrate each other’s smarts, style and success—not to mention our fab faves—on the site. It’s going to be great fun.
Leigh, my new FOF friend
Tonight, I couldn’t resist, so I called Leigh Chandler from Las Vegas after reading her message. “Bravo! Or should I saw Brava?” she wrote. “I’ll be 53 soon and I think I’m pretty fabu! I am a self-taught businesswoman, textile designer, mother, wife and sometime blogger who loves life. …one of my main contributions has been to mentor and help other business women just getting started….thanks for what you are doing!”
Leigh owns Papillon Linens, a luxurious collection of bedding and specialty home accessories. I think one of the great joys in life is crawling onto crisp, cool, ultra soft sheets at night, so Leigh and I share a passion. Her humor also captivated me. When I complimented the photo she sent (I asked for one), Leigh said she wasn’t sure she liked it because she’s “wearing makeup.” Her 21-year-old daughter bought it as a gift because Leigh never wore any. “I’m glued to the computer 15 hours a day and didn’t think I needed makeup.” She promised her daughter she’d have a picture taken when she was dolled up.
Although she hasn’t worn any makeup since the photo was taken on New Year’s Eve, Leigh really liked the LashBlast mascara from Cover Girl (“the best lengthener I ever wore and it doesn’t clump or smudge. It comes off in flakes.”)
Leigh's husband Max. Yes, he's real.
Leigh’s husband liked the new look and the photo, she told me. Max, 47, currently restores vintage razors. Check out his website, www.vintagestraightrazors.com, for the men in your life. And check out Max. A former international fashion model, he’s really easy on my FOF eyes. Lee says he’s a wonderful man, smart, and speaks six languages.
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Bonjour et Merci
I love everything French.
Geri
I absolutely adore Leigh. I can attest being a new bedding designer ( at 43! – a reinvention of myself) We have spent so many hours talking about our passion for Belgian Linen and I hope to always be an associate of Leigh’s, as well as a friend. I totally relate to this site, as I was thrown into a shock menopause at 41, after a long illness and surgery. My business actually was geared toward FOF people! After too many uncomfortable evenings (not) sleeping, I designed Belgian linen sheets and aptly named my company A Soft Place to Land. Through the begining stages I met the lovely Leigh and made a lifelong true friend. It is lovely to find a site I relate to!
Cindy Jo Morgan
Hi Cindy Jo! You are so dear, thank you for being my friend! You do have a wise soul for being so young and I think you were born decades too late. You epitomize the glamour of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s! You have the best ideas and I wish you all the success in the world!
XXOO
Leigh is beautiful, both inside and out! She looks pretty gorgeous in the photo, non? I’m pretty sure it’s a NO on sharing Max, but yes on sharing everything else! I carry some of her beautiful Linens, and they are superior in quality and design. My clients who have bought them are just as in love with them as we are here at home. Looking forward to reading more of your posts. Lidy Baars
Hi Lidy, Thank you so much for the compliments! Love your site and your blog, how did we survive before, without them? You help quench my thirst for all things French, I love your mix of antiques and new items – very beautiful!
XXOO Leigh
I love this site and I love finding my friend Leigh on it! She always looks fabulous and what you see is what you get with her. That is why Beadboard invested in Papillon Linens for our shop and we had hundreds of choices and we are not sorry. She represents quality and so does her product. Now I have to get some botox or scotch tape and a large glass of wine…….Maryanne
Thank you Maryanne. I love your shop and blog and I am in the process of writing about you and Leigh’s other fans. I am so happy I can now meet all of you. I am a home furnishings fanatic. I was the editor of a trade publication called Home Furnishings Daily for many years and have a great appreciation for everything for the home.
Fondly,
Geri
Hi Maryanne, Thank you so much for your comments! This is even better than a big surprise birthday party for me! I’m a bit overwhelmed. I love working with you! You have a great sense of humor, style and I just love your store! A darling hubby too, hi Peter! Bon voyage, wish I were going to Paris!
XXOO
Bonjour Mélanie, Yes, you are decades away from being FOF, but you are so talented and accomplished at your age, I am amazed! Everytime I visit your blog, I am transported to France for a little vacation – thank you!!
Kisses, Leigh
As one of my oldest (“oldest” as in we’ve been friends for over 40 years) and dearest friends, I have to say Leigh has always been creative and talented and really has found a terrific niche for herself in Papillion Linens. It is so “Leigh”… through and through. I don’t know anyone who enjoys their work anymore than Leigh or is more commited to their business. Not to mention, Leigh is a loyal and devoted friend, straight forward, empathetic, great sense of humor, always there for a pal. Not to mention, the woman has been a HOTtie since she was 12! Lisa