One of the pleasures of Look Fabulous Forever has been meeting some truly inspirational older women via our Ambassadors programme. Anna and I were introduced to Sandra Howard via a mutual friend and a kinder, nicer and more charming person you couldn't hope to meet. As a top model, Sandra made the cover of Vogue twice in the 1960s, and through her first husband she met and socialised with the likes of Frank Sinatra and John and Jackie Kennedy. More recently Sandra became a political spouse to Michael Howard and then in her late 60s her life took a whole new direction when she became a successful published author. Sandra has just celebrated a big birthday, so we thought you might enjoy her take on life at 80. Wishing you A Very Happy Birthday Sandra!
Guest Post - Sandra Howard, My 80th Birthday
August 25, 2020
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46 Comment(s)
Rosemary Needham
Sep 07, 2020 10:21
Dear Tricia
So lovely to read this piece by Sandra Howard
I had the pleasure of meeting Sandra & Michael for a drink aboard the Queen Mary travelling to New York, we had a mutual friend & the contact happened & I grabbed the moment!
Michael was one the Speakers on this trip, and brilliant !
It was lovely chatting to them in the cocktail bar on this beautiful ship, interesting, easy conservation.
I was struck how lovely Sandra looked & beautiful skin , I had no idea of her age. This was 2017!
I bought her autobiographical book on my return, she’s had an amazing life & in USA meeting iconic people.
Lovely to know Sandra loves LFF and appreciates how we can help our skin to age gracefully. I am also loving the new night eye cream ( can I use in the day as well) and the new serum, both of which are making a difference
X Rosie
So lovely to read this piece by Sandra Howard
I had the pleasure of meeting Sandra & Michael for a drink aboard the Queen Mary travelling to New York, we had a mutual friend & the contact happened & I grabbed the moment!
Michael was one the Speakers on this trip, and brilliant !
It was lovely chatting to them in the cocktail bar on this beautiful ship, interesting, easy conservation.
I was struck how lovely Sandra looked & beautiful skin , I had no idea of her age. This was 2017!
I bought her autobiographical book on my return, she’s had an amazing life & in USA meeting iconic people.
Lovely to know Sandra loves LFF and appreciates how we can help our skin to age gracefully. I am also loving the new night eye cream ( can I use in the day as well) and the new serum, both of which are making a difference
X Rosie
Paulette
Sep 01, 2020 13:59
Apart from being a singleton, how familiar the challenges and opportunities that the gift of years brings.A really enjoyable article, I must check up on Sandra's other writing. Also an August child, no school or work on my birthday until I was in my 20s and while I didn't carouse with Frank Sinatra I had more than my fair share of memorable occasions. Ah well, to investigate those invisible hearing aids - how times change 'hearing aid envy' has replaced 'shoe envy', well ok, they sit side by side, I'm not completely over the hill yet.
Eve
Aug 31, 2020 12:25
How uplifting! Can so relate to the hearing loss fiasco- especially pretending to be deeply involved with a conversation and not having a clue what's being said! My husband and I have some pretty surreal conversations too, even though he has worn hearing aids for decades.
What a good idea to have a secret word to remind us not to stoop- will definitely take that on board.
Thank you so much- a real inspiration.
What a good idea to have a secret word to remind us not to stoop- will definitely take that on board.
Thank you so much- a real inspiration.
Florence
Aug 31, 2020 10:47
What a lovely blog piece from Sandra Howard. She was beautiful as a young woman and remains to at 80. Maybe there’s hope for us all! What an interesting life she has led. Thank you Tricia and Sandra.
Tammy
Aug 31, 2020 09:54
A great article by Sandra Howard and she looks fab-u-lous. Her modelling career certainly brought adventures around the world not to mention the time spent with Frank Sinatra (someone I always wanted to see in concert but sadly it never came to pass - thankfully, his music/singing lives on which continues to bring joy to the world).
I have read and enjoyed some of Sandra’s books and I’m going to seek out “Tell The Girl” as I’m sure it will be a fascinating read.
Like you, it’s clear that Sandra is still living life to the max and where adjustments need to be made along the journey of life, for whatever reason and in whatever area of life, it’s also clear that humour, laughter, friendship and love of life sustain your beauty inside and out....and the twinkle in your eye continues to make everyone smile and seek out the fun and joy in living.
Kind regards, Tammy x
I have read and enjoyed some of Sandra’s books and I’m going to seek out “Tell The Girl” as I’m sure it will be a fascinating read.
Like you, it’s clear that Sandra is still living life to the max and where adjustments need to be made along the journey of life, for whatever reason and in whatever area of life, it’s also clear that humour, laughter, friendship and love of life sustain your beauty inside and out....and the twinkle in your eye continues to make everyone smile and seek out the fun and joy in living.
Kind regards, Tammy x
Sylvia
Aug 31, 2020 02:59
Oh just so wonderful to read this article; I am in my 70s and just find her comments so helpful; thank you for laying it out. Must get out to the hairdresser for some blond highlights; this was the pep talk I needed. Merci!
Joanna
Aug 30, 2020 13:04
Such a churlish, unnecessary response to a wonderfully written guest piece. I also whole-heartedly disagree with those sentiments, as I'm sure do a great many LFF fans. Politics has become so divisive, let's keep them out of make-up and skin-care.
Sandra Howard is an incredible, accomplished woman - and thoroughly likeable. A real inspiration, particularly to octogenarians everywhere. I will be checking out her novels! A great ambassador for LFF. Thank you Tricia x
Sandra Howard is an incredible, accomplished woman - and thoroughly likeable. A real inspiration, particularly to octogenarians everywhere. I will be checking out her novels! A great ambassador for LFF. Thank you Tricia x
Kath Grindey
Aug 30, 2020 12:59
Enjoyed your story. I can relate to the deafness. Myself and my husband are deaf , I have two hearing aids, my husband informs me quite regularly that he is not deaf. I ask him a questions and get a very strange reply because he is guessing. Very frustrating.
I love your hair. I am always envious of people who have a good head of hair. For the last three years I have suffered with Alopecia. Unfortunately the type that doesn’t grow back. I have now wear a wig (on certain occasions) courtesy of my daughter. My friends don’t recognise me. Quite funny really.
I am always interested in skincare. I do though change by brand quite frequently. Think I am a bit of a sucker for sale talk.
I always Use LFF primer. Think it is wonderful. Trying to get my daughters to purchase some. Perhaps they don’t like to admit that they are now in their fifties. Will treat my daughters as one of them is a NHS midwife. Do not know what I would have done without her in lockdown.
I love your hair. I am always envious of people who have a good head of hair. For the last three years I have suffered with Alopecia. Unfortunately the type that doesn’t grow back. I have now wear a wig (on certain occasions) courtesy of my daughter. My friends don’t recognise me. Quite funny really.
I am always interested in skincare. I do though change by brand quite frequently. Think I am a bit of a sucker for sale talk.
I always Use LFF primer. Think it is wonderful. Trying to get my daughters to purchase some. Perhaps they don’t like to admit that they are now in their fifties. Will treat my daughters as one of them is a NHS midwife. Do not know what I would have done without her in lockdown.
Sara
Aug 30, 2020 12:49
Thank you, Tricia, for publishing and for your reply. I’m pleasantly surprised you did so! Yes, as a lifelong feminist, of course I believe that women are far more than their husbands/partners and thoroughly entitled to their separate opinions and views. However, in a Iengthy (and public)political marriage, to see someone as wholly divorced from their spouse’s views is, may I suggest, somewhat naive? It is well-known, for example, that Sally Bercow thinks differently from her husband, (ex-House of Commons Speaker) but I’ve never seen or read of Sandra Howard distancing herself from her husband’s political stance. The Brexit debate certainly led to familial differences, but although Tories supported both sides, they were still Tories. It may have been politic for her to maintain silence when her husband was in power (and I believe he is still in the House of Lords) but if their opinions differ, might she not have said so since then? If their opinions coincide, then fair enough, but in that instance,I rest my case.
Dorothy M
Aug 30, 2020 12:28
What a mean-minded response to this light-hearted article. What has politics got to do with make-up choices etc
tricia
Aug 30, 2020 12:11
Hi Sara
Can women never be seen or their lives considered except as appendages of their husbands? Sandra is not her husband and is entitled to be seen as a separate individual. I happen to know that she and Michael voted differently on Brexit, for instance, so I think Sandra is a woman who knows her own mind. In my view anyone who has the guts to start a whole new direction and career at the age of 65 is worthy of our respect and as such makes a perfect Ambassador for LFF. Tx
Can women never be seen or their lives considered except as appendages of their husbands? Sandra is not her husband and is entitled to be seen as a separate individual. I happen to know that she and Michael voted differently on Brexit, for instance, so I think Sandra is a woman who knows her own mind. In my view anyone who has the guts to start a whole new direction and career at the age of 65 is worthy of our respect and as such makes a perfect Ambassador for LFF. Tx
Sara
Aug 30, 2020 11:41
Tricia, I know you will not publish my comment as it is undoubtedly political but I wish to express my views that Sandra Howard, whatever she may have done, is married to a man who was part of one of the most iniquitous governments of all modern times, led by a woman who revelled in keeping other women at bay. You may say this is about Sandra, not her husband, but politics pervades every aspect of life and she must at least have some views on her husband’s ignominious career. Under Thatcher, the elderly were impoverished, communities destroyed and society put at risk of fragmentation. Fortunately, the community spirit of so many others prevented the latter from happening altogether. I cannot enjoy an account of a trivial and privileged life, lived in the shadow of such inequality for the majority. Thatcher and her cronies, including Howard, did NOTHING for women. Left to her and her men, far fewer women could have afforded to support LFF. There are so many admirable women, whose achievements are of far, far greater value to humanity. How about Doreen Lawrence for starters?
Patricia
Aug 30, 2020 11:30
Loved the story about the hearing aides.
I had my 80th in June, wish I could send a photo.
So glad I found and use most of your products. The “face” always goes on even if I am not going out.
Regards Patricia
I had my 80th in June, wish I could send a photo.
So glad I found and use most of your products. The “face” always goes on even if I am not going out.
Regards Patricia
Elizabeth Miller
Aug 30, 2020 11:29
Thank you for sharing the story of the the wonderful Sandra Howard. She is a stunningly elegant and inspirational woman with a great sense of humour. I wish her a very Happy Birthday.
Shirley Davey
Aug 30, 2020 10:10
Thanks for this Tricia, what a lovely lady and such a great sense of humour. I am actually 81 this year which to me is just a number and nothing more. Sure there are aches and pains here and there but, the secret is to manage them without complaining and just be grateful for today. I love my life I am fortunate to still have my wonderful husband, I take care of my looks and try to exercise and keep fit. Every day is a new day to enjoy life and be happy.
Nan
Aug 30, 2020 09:56
How wonderful to have a code word. My late ex husband and I had one, his job took him abroad so endless receptions and cocktail parties. Ours was a low shhhh in the ear.. Because it's true when you stand for hours your back just wants to relax..x
Jeàn
Aug 30, 2020 09:28
I loved it, Sandra Howard is such an inspirational lady,and seems to enjoy her life, very
glamorous also.
Happy 80th to her and hope she gets to France. Covid permitted.
glamorous also.
Happy 80th to her and hope she gets to France. Covid permitted.
Lesley
Aug 30, 2020 09:07
I was lucky enough to meet Sandra Howard on a couple of occasions in the late eighties when I worked for her husband. She is truly charming, charismatic and kind. I had no idea that she was anywhere near 80. What a role model. If we can all look as good as her at that age we’ll be doing very well indeed. Happy birthday, Sandra.
Alison
Aug 30, 2020 09:06
What an amazing and beautiful lady and what a life! Oh to have met Frank Sinatra.
Have a lovely weekend wherever you are in Europe or the UK. What travesty that the two are no longer one.
Ali
X
Have a lovely weekend wherever you are in Europe or the UK. What travesty that the two are no longer one.
Ali
X
Lyn
Aug 30, 2020 09:06
Well done Sara for having the courage to say what some others may well be thinking.
Heather Lee
Aug 30, 2020 08:55
Oh my! I see the nasty political divide is not only here in the U.S. Can’t we see each other as children of God, who deserve respect,and sympathy? We all have feelings and are doing the best we can, no one is perfect, so let’s cut the judgmental attitudes and embrace each other’s humanity.
Brenda
Aug 30, 2020 08:42
Enjoyed the article by Sandra Howard, lovely woman with a super sense of humour. And she's a great role model for LFF too. The time and place is long gone from my memory but this tall, lovely elegant woman stepped from the train and walked in our direction, then in another, then in ours again. I recognised her from her book cover. She was lost and needed direction to a venue where she was promoting her book but, as we were visitors ourselves, we were unable to help. Despite her anxiety she was impeccably polite and wore a beautiful smile. A memorable beauty.
Jackie
Aug 30, 2020 08:30
I’ve admired Sandra Howard for a long time and can hardly believe she’s 80. She always talks a lot of sense and I’ve found her views on grooming and looking after yourself as we age good. She also has a great sense of humour. I can really relate to the deafness as we have many laughs in our house because of it. Stooping too is another of our ‘issues’. I’ll have to think of a code word. She’s a beautiful woman.
Jenny
Aug 30, 2020 08:30
What a lovely warm lady Sandra is. I giggled a lot at her comments being able to see myself in them. Especially the ‘hearing’ issues with her husband. My beloved and I share similar stories but I fear there is a lot of ‘selective hearing’ involved with us. I am embracing the approaching years with anticipation that I can stay fit and healthy and continue to contribute to the life I am living with my family and friends. Let there be laughter, love and lipstick
Vera Esschenbrouck
Aug 30, 2020 08:15
I would nevertheless recommend you to use hearing aids as well. Deafness is a well-known trigger for neurodegenerative diseases, above all Alzheimer, since it leads to social isolation, which in itself is a trigger for this kind of disease.
Vivien Abel
Aug 30, 2020 08:08
So enjoyed reading that you look fabulous. Your thoughts and Tricia's are similar to mine.x
Janice
Aug 30, 2020 08:02
That was such interesting reading from Sandra about her life and I just cannot believe that she is 80 for heavens sake! She looks absolutely fabulous - she obviously really takes care of herself still which I find truly inspirational and I do hope that if I'm fortunate enough to reach such a ripe old age that I might still be putting on make up and looking after my appearance. Your husband is a very lucky man if I may say so. X
Margot Clarkson-bennett
Aug 30, 2020 07:54
Oh how Sandra Howard’s comments resonated with me in so many ways ( apart from the modelling, extensive travelling & meeting Frank Sinatra!!). One of the most uplifting ‘takes on life’: inspirational & a marvellous ambassador for LFF.
A very happy birthday Sandra.
A very happy birthday Sandra.
Joy Greville
Aug 30, 2020 07:54
As an octogenarian I have really enjoyed reading your article about Sandra Howard who I have always admired. I am 82 years young, and have been and owned male dominated businesses all my life, and have always tried to look my best - not for the compliments, but to be taken seriously and professionally. Being only 5 foot tall,that was a disadvantage as well, but I seemed to work for me. Age has not dimmed my enthusiasm for make up ( although I do not use too much ) or fashion, and I walk about two miles each day, do sudoku and crosswords, exercise and enjoy driving myself. My one regret is that I gave up horse riding too early, I would have loved to have done long distance horse riding but pressure of business put a stop to that. My interest and enthusiasm for life has never waned, and I am sure that I have many more adventures to come.
Chrissie Norris
Aug 30, 2020 07:52
Sandra, you are just fabulous. I’ve already now told my husband that we are adopting the ‘code’. I so agree, looking for the fun and laughter in each day is key to enjoying our autumn years. Really enjoyed reading your message, will now look for your books.
Mary Ginn
Aug 30, 2020 07:43
That was a delightful and uplifting read from a woman who has enjoyed and continues to enjoy life to the full. Age comes with disadvantages but also as she points out many advantages as well. Starting a new career later on in life has added immense purpose to her life, rather like you Tricia. I particularly liked the references to mishearing and stooping. Unfortunate obstacles to be overcome with humour . That is what shines through in this piece, the mischievous humour and a feeling of gratitude for the good things in life.
Amanda Clark
Aug 30, 2020 07:24
I love today’s blog from Sandra, my sister will be 87 next Thursday, she is the eldest of our family and I am the youngest at 66. She was a true stunner in her earlier days and I think I have only ever seen her without make up when she has been poorly. I visit her once a week and she still looks amazing to me! She tells me she doesn’t always bother with makeup and hair except when she goes out, very rarely or when I visit. We still laugh and moan about things as if there is no age gap at all.
So Sandra was such a good read for me today it bought back so many happy and funny memories!
Happy birthday Sandra!
Tricia hope you had a lovely week with your family and return home without any complications!
Lots of love and a big thank you for bringing us all together on Tricia’s Super Troupers. We need as many friends at this strange time! xx
So Sandra was such a good read for me today it bought back so many happy and funny memories!
Happy birthday Sandra!
Tricia hope you had a lovely week with your family and return home without any complications!
Lots of love and a big thank you for bringing us all together on Tricia’s Super Troupers. We need as many friends at this strange time! xx
Kerry Cumming
Aug 30, 2020 07:14
How gorgeous you are at 80. I can’t wait to get hold of one of your books to read.
Margaret
Aug 30, 2020 06:51
I have just finished reading Sandra Howard’s book Tell the Girl and can thoroughly recommend it. I loved the bits about the Kennedy family and, of course, Frank Sinatra. What a guy! I look forward to reading some more of Sandra’s books as I enjoy her style of writing- easy to read and fun.
A happy birthday, Sandra. Keep writing!
A happy birthday, Sandra. Keep writing!
Carole Stewart
Aug 30, 2020 06:33
Sandra always looks fabulous whatever age she has been and my husband says he agrees 100%. Really enjoyed reading about her thank you.
Jenifer Coleman
Aug 30, 2020 06:30
I found Sandra's comments very amusing! I have a similar code with my husband AND my daughter regarding hunching in public. I often check myself in ship windows as I walk down a street!
Honestly, I am happy that I still DO walk down streets and go out doing activities I love. I appreciate my feet these days much more than I used to! I am not 80 yet - just 74. But I see time marching on ahead and hope to be able to keep pace with him for a few more years!
Sandra's comments were honest and refreshing. Just as your videos, Tricia. Much appreciated.
Honestly, I am happy that I still DO walk down streets and go out doing activities I love. I appreciate my feet these days much more than I used to! I am not 80 yet - just 74. But I see time marching on ahead and hope to be able to keep pace with him for a few more years!
Sandra's comments were honest and refreshing. Just as your videos, Tricia. Much appreciated.
Rebecca Saffer
Aug 30, 2020 05:41
Happy Birthday to the gorgeous and inspiring Sondra Howard! What a delightful interview, Tricia. Thank you so much for championing older women as worthy role models for us. What a beautiful, intelligent woman she is and I look forward to hearing more about Sondra and others that are positive and live their lives with joie de vivre!
Eleanor
Aug 30, 2020 04:50
This was a very nice interview with Mrs Howard. Thank you Tricia, a super LFF ambassador.
Sandra Howard looks amazing too. I see LFF as a safe space where politics has no access especially in this stressful world we are living in. It’s so easy to lash out and judge on social media platforms, isn’t it? LFF isn’t the place to attack. It isn’t justified.
Sandra Howard looks amazing too. I see LFF as a safe space where politics has no access especially in this stressful world we are living in. It’s so easy to lash out and judge on social media platforms, isn’t it? LFF isn’t the place to attack. It isn’t justified.
Barbara Brown
Aug 30, 2020 04:32
The article is full of truth and humour - I enjoyed reading it very much.
I wear hearing aids, but as my hair covers my ears they are not seen - perhaps Sandra you could consider them as they wouldn’t be seen!!
They certainly help with conversations when with other people, as nodding wisely might find you agreeing with something that could be rather embarrassing!
It’s a good idea to have a code word re stooping....I think I will use this too as this is one of my bugbears - I tend to forget that I’ve shrunk about 4cm!
Have a wonderful 80th birthday- with many more to follow.
I wear hearing aids, but as my hair covers my ears they are not seen - perhaps Sandra you could consider them as they wouldn’t be seen!!
They certainly help with conversations when with other people, as nodding wisely might find you agreeing with something that could be rather embarrassing!
It’s a good idea to have a code word re stooping....I think I will use this too as this is one of my bugbears - I tend to forget that I’ve shrunk about 4cm!
Have a wonderful 80th birthday- with many more to follow.
Lynda
Aug 30, 2020 04:00
I admire anyone who can write a novel let alone 7! I always think it must be difficult for beautiful women to cope with ageing but Sandra seems to be doing well. Thanks for the tip about using the eyebrow shape as eyeliner. I'm desperate for something in grey that will stay on so I'll try it.
Vanessa
Aug 30, 2020 02:38
Dear Sara as you choose to define Sandra in terms of her husband and what he did or did not do surely you are no different to the women you abhor. I think Sandra is a fabulous role model for older women
Susan W.
Aug 30, 2020 02:29
I really enjoyed reading Sandra Howard’s piece. Tricia, I really admire and appreciate your glamorous, intelligent and very ‘real’ persona. So glad I am one of your Super Troupers! The advice and ideas are very much appreciated and useful. Thank you!
Kath Hallas
Aug 30, 2020 02:05
I met Sandra on Cunard’s Queen Mary in 2015. I have a photo of the two of us, in the library, on the ship somewhere.
She gave an interesting talk on her life and her books. Michael Howard gave talks too. Very inspirational. Really enjoyed the talks.
She gave an interesting talk on her life and her books. Michael Howard gave talks too. Very inspirational. Really enjoyed the talks.
Claire
Aug 30, 2020 02:03
How lovely to have an update on life from Sandra Howard. The thing I most admire about her is the way she always looked wonderful on a very difficult campaign trail with her husband. This was managed without a team of PA’s , hairdressers and make up artists that seemed to be indispensable for the opponent. Throughout she was also gracious and charming, and
yes she has carved an interesting late career. Hope this will not be considered too political!. All this happened a while ago and she still looks marvellous.
Regards,
Claire
yes she has carved an interesting late career. Hope this will not be considered too political!. All this happened a while ago and she still looks marvellous.
Regards,
Claire
Barbara
Aug 30, 2020 02:02
Thank you Sandra for the eyeliner tip with the bring back brows. Tried it this morning and it is a keeper.
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