The reality is that we live in a world obsessed with youth, stereotypical notions of beauty and being a certain shape. So sometimes we can’t help but feel that the odd nip, tuck, lift, injection, enhancement or reduction would make us happier, despite the risks. It’s an undeniable fact.

I turn 40 in less than a month and the physical signs of aging are beginning to show. So far I have not found the need for cosmetic treatments of any kind. I try to live a reasonably healthy life by eating wisely, moving my buns and laughing a lot. I do have blemished legs, but I’m ok with that. I also think there’s something satisfying about showing your age. It’s like you’ve earned your right of passage. People see your wisdom and experience reflected in your aging. That counts for a lot too.

Although I’m personally content without cosmetic treatment, I do see that it has value. In some situations it is essential, like reconstructive surgery for the person injured in a bad accident, or surgical reduction for the woman who has the discomfort of an extremely full bust.

I also understand when people feel more strongly than I do about changing an aspect of their appearance. Their problem might not be physical health or discomfort, but emotional pain can run just as deep.

Finally, I want the freedom to reevaluate my own decision as I get older. As far as possible I like the idea of making the most of what I have and growing older naturally, but who knows how I’ll feel about things later on in life.

I started thinking about these questions recently when Greg asked me out of the blue: “when do you think it makes sense to have cosmetic surgery?”. Through his networking in the Seattle startup community he had met Tom Seery, the founder and CEO of RealSelf.com, an online community focused on cosmetic treatments and plastic surgery. In many ways the motivations behind YLF and RealSelf.com are similar — to empower people with information so that they can make informed decisions. And we share a belief that your inner self and outer self are connected and mutually reinforcing.

Tom describes how RealSelf.com was inspired by his wife, Krista:

Krista found online research of a skin care treatment completely out of sync with her other web shopping experiences.  While it was easy for her to get real opinions about hotels and restaurants, it was nearly impossible to discover similar information on cosmetic procedures whether it be a simple microdermabrasion or a major procedure like tummy tuck surgery.  We’ve made it our mission to give people a safe and anonymous place to get the real story behind these big decisions. Postings in the community allow us to generate ratings of cosmetic treatments in our Worth It Index.

Real Self has gone the additional step to inviting board certified medical experts to answer questions in the community; to date 1,000 doctors have provided over 100,000 answers. Involving more experts in the community might be something we should do more of here at YLF.

Over to you. I’d love to hear from all age groups, because your perspectives are equally important. What cosmetic treatments would you consider having now, or later?

Although I wear trendy pieces, I don’t have enough youth on my side to wear certain fashionable looks that I simple adore. Top of that list is dressy short shorts with heels and a tuxedo jacket. The Budget Babe featured actress Amanda Seyfried in this look a month ago and I’m crazy about it. I’d entertain less glitzy and more smart casual takes on the combination too, like denim short shorts with a silky blouse, blazer and wedged pumps.

I do my version of the look with longer Bermuda shorts, but  the effect isn’t as cheeky. Oh well! That’s okay too. At least I get to admire the cheeky version on lasses younger than me.

Do you yearn to wear a particular look that you would wear if you were younger? Converse sneakers with dresses, string bikinis, 5-inch heels, lower tops? I don’t mean for this topic to be directed at women who are over the age of 40. If you’re in your 20’s or 30’s feel free to comment too!

Some women like lace and others don’t. I loved lace in the 80’s and then went through a stage of not liking it at all. Now I’m turning full circle and starting to appreciate outfits with pops of lace camisole peaking through.

A bit of lace in the right place does the covering trick when a neckline is too revealing. Of course, you have the option to wear lace-less camisoles and those are the ones I wear most of the time. But occasionally a triangle of lace adds textural interest to the outfit – especially when you’re matching the same color cami and top.

There are all sorts of creative ways to wear lace camisoles. These basic guidelines will help you get started if this is new territory for you:

• Camisoles with lace inserts: These are ideal for tops, blouses, shirts and dresses with V-neck openings. With this option you can choose to keep the camisole the same colour as the top, or create a contrast. Both looks are equally effective.
• Camisoles with lace hems: These look sweet layered under a shorter top, blouse or shirt. I especially like a straight lace hemmed camisole peeking out from under a curved hem blouse or shirt. Again, you have the option of keeping the camisole the same colour as the top or to create a contrast.
• All over lace camisoles: I like the look of these under sheer woven blouses or shirts. I prefer this type of pairing with low colour contrast between the camisole and the top, like a sheer black blouse worn with an all over black lace camisole. But that’s not a rule and you can go to town with the combinations.
• All over patterned camisoles with lace inserts: These look fab under thicker woven shirts and blouses. For example, a denim shirt looks great over a patterned and lace inserted camisole. Undo an extra shirt button or two and show it off.
• Demi lace camisoles: These work miracles when it’s really hot or when wearing a dress. No hem lines and less midsection coverage. Second Base makes super demi lace camisoles which might come in handy as temperatures start to rise.

In case you were wondering, you still need to wear a bra with a lace camisole. Flesh toned or a colour to match the camisole is a flop proof way to go.

Do you like a bit of lace peaking through from under the neckline of your top or dress? Or are you a lace-less camisole gal.

Clarks does it again offering us a 2-inch heel that you can walk in for 8-hours. The “Wellfleet” T-bar sandal has been getting rave reviews online and after slipping my feet into pair I understand why. These casual sandals are seriously some of the most comfortable I’ve had on my feet all season. They are SO lightweight you won’t believe it. Very cushioning and soft all over. A go-to sandal for hot weather with all sorts of casual outfits.

They are available in both suede and matte leather across five different colours. If you like their bohemian vibe be sure to treat your feet to this type of foot bed heaven. Very much worth $90.

If the Clarks are not to your taste, you might prefer the Børn ‘Marguerite’ Sandal. The straps aren’t quite as soft and the foot bed isn’t quite as cushioning but I still consider it a comfortable shoe. It’s a daintier and dressier looking sandal than the Wellfleet, which might be a better match for your style. It’s on sale for $59.90 and the silver gets my top vote because it’s very versatile for summer outfits.