Red Typewriter has a spinoff: the More Beautiful podcast and website for women 40+ who want to live their best lives. The mission of More Beautiful is to inspire and empower women navigating this tricky time called midlife. We cover health and fitness, career and finance, relationships and family, travel and fashion, and much more. We’ll come at these topics from the perspective of someone who’s picked up a little life experience. And we strive for a live that’s more adventurous, more fulfilling and more beautiful than ever. We can’t wait to see you at Morebeautifulpodcast.com!

As any proper Anglophile is fully aware, it is never a bad time to visit London. Forget what you heard about the rainy, foggy weather. This vibrant metropolis has got everything you need for a perfect urban getaway, from cutting-edge theatre and fashion, to creative restaurants and hip nightlife. Throw in a few British hallmarks such as the Royal jewels and afternoon tea, and you’ve got a perfectly refined, slightly whimsical vacay. So, after you’ve crossed Big Ben and Parliament off your to-do list, be sure to hit these hot spots on your next trip across the pond.

Hippest Afternoon Tea: The Sanderson London. The Ritz may set the standard for this British tradition, but for a more unconventional—and arguably more amusing—experience, try the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson London in Fitzrovia. There in a pretty outdoor courtyard you’ll find menus hidden inside vintage books, teapots adorned with monarchs, pastries and savories decorated with birdcages and clocks, and teas named after characters in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. There’s even a gluten-free menu for those shunning carbs. And if you prefer your caffeine with a little edge, wait until the sun sets for the Mad Hatter’s Tipsy Evening Tea, complete with alcohol-infused cakes and floral cocktails.

The takeaway: Leftovers (if there are any) packed in an adorable souvenir box or, if you’re feeling nostalgic after you’ve arrived home, an authentic Wonderland tea set you can order directly from Luna & Curious.

Chicest Hotel: Zetter Townhouse Marylebone. The sister hotel of the Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell is quirky in the most stylish way. Designed to feel like the private residence of a notorious fictional ancestor—the gambling, jet-setting Wicked Uncle Seymour—the eco-friendly Georgian townhouse (which was once the home of poet Edward Lear) is strewn with antique furniture and artsy curiosities that supposedly came from Seymour’s Grand Tour of Europe. The 19 rooms and three suites feature equally eclectic decor and oversize beds, while the penthouse apartment boasts a rooftop bathtub. If you can tear yourself from your room, indulge in a bespoke cocktail in the clubby lounge, enjoy a boozy afternoon tea in the lounge, or chow down on organic, locally sourced fare in the breakfast room.

The takeaway: Luxurious REN toiletries swiped from your well-appointed room.

Best City Oasis: Holland Park. Here in this lush, 55-acre space you’ll find shady trails for strolling, a fenced-in play area with a zip line and giant see-saw, and a Japanese-style Kyoto Garden where several resident peacocks strut their stuff as if they own the joint. The park surrounds a Jacobean mansion, Holland House, named after its second owner, the Earl of Holland, whose wife was the first person in England to successfully grow dahlias. In the 19th century, Holland House became a hub of political and literary activity, visited by Disraeli and Lord Byron amongst others, but was largely destroyed by bombs during WWII. These days, dahlias are still grown within the park, which also contains an open-air theatre and opera for al fresco entertainment.

The takeaway: A video of yourself gleefully descending the zip line in the children’s playground. Go when school’s in session to avoid the kiddie crowds—not to mention the disapproving glances from those proper English nannies.

Best Street for Hipster Gazing: Lamb’s Conduit Street. This drag’s got it all: Artsy boutiques. Artisan coffee shops. Cute resident dogs with designer collars. Shopping is as friendly as it gets on this partially pedestrianised street in Bloomsbury, as shop owners are often seen chatting up passersby and even dispensing free wine to customers. The brainchild of an architect and interior designer, Pentreath & Hall (17 Rugby Street) is a nostalgic interiors shop packed with ceramics, fabrics and knick-knacks made by local artistans. Women’s clothing shop Folk (53 Lamb’s Conduit) is the place to get luxurious jumpsuits and outerwear. Persephone Books (59 Lamb’s Conduit) is a unique publishing house that champions forgotten female authors. After shopping, refuel at Ciao Bella (86-90 Lamb’s Conduit), a favourite local Italian, then throw back a pint at the Lamb (94 Lamb’s Consuit) or Perseverance (63 Lamb’s Conduit), both classic local pubs.

The takeaway: An art print or a quirky alphabet brush pot (a.k.a., personalized crystal tumbler) from Pentreath & Hall.

Best Department Store: Liberty London. What exactly is a department store, you may ask, as many giant retailers have closed their doors in this age of online shopping. well, Liberty London on Regent Street has still got it going on, as locals and tourists alike flock to its thoughtfully curated, up-to-the-moment selection of fashion, housewares, fabrics and signature-print gift items. What makes this London retail landmark so dynamic is its ever-changing assortment of designer collaborations on everything from pottery to pocket scarves, proving that department stores can still be cool.

The takeaway: A breezy scarf in one of the store’s signature floral prints.

Best City Views: The Shard. While killer views aren’t hard to come by in this town (the London Eye observation wheel and the top of the Tate Modern are two of our favorite London lookout spots), the city’s highest viewing platform is technically the 95-story skyscraper The Shard. Designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano and inaugurated in 2012, the building stands an impressive 1,016 feet high and is the fifth tallest structure in Europe. Twenty-five pounds buys you a ticket to The View from The Shard, which includes a ride up to a glass pyramid tower and access to an open-air observation deck on the 72nd floor. After taking in the panoramic views, satisfy your food and/or fashion fix among the many restaurants and shops strewn throughout the building.

The takeaway: A Shard snow globe pen for only 6 pounds.

Best Restaurant For Seeing and Being Seen: The Wolseley. A favorite hangout of the fashion and media crowd, The Wolseley (160 Piccadilly) offers modern European food and sexy-yet-subdued glamour from breakfast to late-night. Come in the morning for the double-chocolate brioche, in the afternoon for traditional tea, or at night for oysters and Coq au Vin. Got show tickets? After curtain closing, pop in for cocktails and finger food. The building, with its high ceilings and Art Deco decor, was built in the 1920s as a car showroom and was later a bank before turning into the foodie hotspot it is today. Even the souvenir shop, which stocks everything from tiny teapots to gift baskets and champagne, is a highly anticipated destination.

The takeaway: A sleek canister of the Wolseley’s signature English Breakfast Tea, or a copy of the mouth-watering cookbook Breakfast at the Wolseley.

Best Not-So-Touristy Tourist Attraction: The Victoria and Albert Museum. After you’ve done the traditional museum circuit (and who doesn’t adore the British Museum and the National Gallery?) and feel ready for something different, head to the Victoria and Albert Museum in Brompton, the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design. V&A houses a permanent collection of more than 2 million objects spanning 5,000 years—ceramics, glass, textiles, costumes, metals, sculpture, prints, drawings and photos from across the globe. But it’s the museum’s eclectic exhibits that set it apart. With shows like, “You Say You Want a Revolution? Records and Rebels 1966-1970” and “Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear,” you are guaranteed to stay interested. Currently, an exhibit of Frida Kahlo’s personal artifacts and a show everyday objects we’ll be using in the future are on the menu.

The takeaway: A signed, unframed fashion print from the museum’s colorful shop makes the perfect lightweight but long-lasting souvenir.

Best Outdoor Market: Borough Market. If you happen to be south of the Thames, soaking up the sites at the Tate Modern, the Globe and the surrounding Southbank area, be sure to hit nearby Borough Market at the north end of the London Bridge. The city’s oldest outdoor market, this place is a kaleidoscope of smells, colors, tastes and textures. Here you’ll find everything from locally grown fruits and veggies to baked goods, spices, condiments, flowers and housewares. Many of the market’s stallholders are themselves producers: the farmer who reared the animal, the fisherman who caught the fish, the baker who baked the bread. Other traders have built their reputations on seeking out small-scale artisan producers and bringing their wares here. Grab a loaf of bread, olives and cheese for an impromptu picnic by the water, or grab a small souvenir from one of the charming home-goods suppliers before heading into one of the market’s cafes for a fish taco and pint of ale.

The takeaway: A packable memento from one of the market’s home-goods stallholders, such as British designer Richard Bramble‘s shellfish-themed kitchen towels or Borough Kitchen‘s stylish linen aprons.

Best Night Spot: Nightjar. Named after a nocturnal bird, this sexy speakeasy is renowned for its live music and meticulously prepared, vintage-inspired cocktails. Located on the edge of Shoreditch—London’s closest version of a Silicon Valley neighborhood—this prohibition-themed bar at 129 City Road offers a healthy dose of old-school glamour. Behind its doors lies an underground chamber where live blues, swing and boss nova take center stage, the Art Deco decor creates a sultry environment, and innovative drinks like the White Tiger’s Milk (a concoction of pisco, cashew tiger’s milk, Ancho Reyes, and sake dashi) help eradicate the day’s stresses. Because the bar has a no-standing policy, you’ll be forced to take a load off and finally relax after a day of heavy-duty sightseeing.

The takeaway: A newfound (or renewed) appreciation for 1920s jazz.

Whether you’re gearing up for some autumn business travel or planning ahead for holiday excursions, now is the time to take inventory of your carry-on bag. We say a woman needs a finely curated (read: lightweight) selection of necessities to get her through a long flight in comfort and style. So the next time you fly the friendly dehydrating, claustrophobic, noisy skies, arm yourself with these 10 travel must-haves.

1. Tap Filter Bottle. Isn’t it a drag when your bottle of Evian is confiscated at the security checkpoint? Eliminate the problem by toting an airport-friendly, earth-conscious, refillable bottle, which purifies H2O from any tap—even the airport water fountain. We like the Aqua Gear Tritan, $35.

2. Noise-Canceling Headphones. Whether you’ve got an infant crying in the row behind you, or two old guys engaged in hot political debate across the aisle, it’s nice to be able to block out those annoying airplane distractions. And you have to admit, both your  iTunes playlist and that On-Demand action flick sound so much better through quality headphones such as the QuietComfort 25 from Bose.com, $300.

Stay hydrated with one of these facial mists. Photo by INGA LIM.

3. Moisturizer. Airplane air is notorious for drying out even the most supple complexion. Bring aboard some plumping moisturizer, like Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel Cream, $20 at Ulta.com, or Origins Night-A-Mins face cream, $43 at Origins.com. An invigorating toning spray is also great for refreshing your face mid-flight; read all about them in our story, “Spray Your Way To Gorgeous Skin”.

4. Reading Tablet. While we Red Typewriter mavens consider ourselves literary ladies who love the feel of a good book in our hands, let’s face it: Schlepping a stack of novels onto an airplane just isn’t convenient. With a reading tablet like the iPad or Kindle, you can download dozens of new titles to get you through a trip to Timbuktu and back again.

5. Breath Fresheners. To avoid emerging from a long flight with nasty breath, carry mints, chewing gum (also great for easing that awful ear-popping) or a travel-size toothbrush. For super-portability, you can’t beat Colgate Wisp mini disposable brushes, $8 for 16 at Amazon.com. For those who prefer electric, the Violight Slim Sonic Travel Toothbrush weighs only 2 ounces and comes in an array of chic designs.

6. Wipes. Life can get messy, especially on a germ-ridden, filled-to-capacity flight. Combat the cross-country grime with a package of travel-size wipes, good for everything from pre-meal hand cleaning to TV monitor sanitizing. We like the eco-friendly, TSA-approved options from La Fresh, $2.50 and up at Lafreshgroup.com.

7. Compression Socks. No, we probably wouldn’t wear stilettos onto a plane—this isn’t 1965, after all. But even when they’re clad in comfy sneakers or flip-flops, our tootsies and legs can swell mid-flight. Changing into a pair of compression socks onboard (we like the stylish offerings from Vim & Vigor, $33 at Brightlifego.com) means we’ll disembark with some spring in our step.

8. Travel First-Aid Kit. This one’s a must-have if you’re flying with children. A tiny version like Johnson & Johnson’s at Amazon.com, $5, is just big enough to stash a few Band-Aids, some aspirin or ibuprofen for those mid-flight headaches (especially if you’ve forgotten our #2 suggestion), and some kids meds. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

9. Cozy Shawl. It can get chilly on most flights, and you never know what the weather will be like on the other side—airports in tropical cities can be air conditioned, remember? A soft, lightweight wrap (we like the CozyChic Travel Shawl, $105 at Nordstrom.com) will keep you toasty during your travels—and send signals to the flight attendant that you are sleeping and, no thank you, you do not need another bag of peanuts.

10. Pen and Notebook. Yeah, yeah, you’ve got your phone, reading tablet and maybe even your laptop onboard with you. But even in this high-tech age, basic writing utensils can still come in handy. You may need a pen for filling out customs forms, and you just never know when  a supreme idea will pop into your head and need to be recorded. Try the travel-size notebook available at Moleskine.com, $10.

Happy Travels!

I woke up this morning hoping it had all been a bad dream. But it was true: Donald Trump had won the election, and to me and most of the people I know it was a devastating outcome. My first thought was, how could we have let this happen? How will we tell our daughters that after almost a quarter of a millennium this country still isn’t ready for a female president—perhaps one of the most qualified candidates we’ll ever see? How will we explain to our sons that abusing women and rallying racists can cut a straight path to the White House?

It is almost unspeakable.

I peeked into the bedroom where my 14-year-old daughter was still sleeping, and where she had retreated after a long, uneasy election night. What was supposed to have been a celebratory evening for our family had quickly turned into a nightmare. I decided to let her sleep a few minutes longer.

All day I’ve been playing out in my head the last few months’ political events, trying to figure out why Hillary Clinton, the Democratic party, the media and, for God’s sake, good reason itself had failed so miserably. How scared should we all be now that our nation had chosen a misogynistic, racist incendiary with no political experience over an intelligent, hard-working woman who’s dedicated her life to civil service? Right now, it feels like the whole country has gone mad, and perhaps it has. But amidst the heartbreak and the outrage, I am wondering what we can learn from this unexpected turn of events.

I started thinking about an essay my daughter recently wrote about failure, about how mistakes are crucial to personal growth and can sometimes teach you more than your successes can. Last night’s mistake was a doozy, America. But it doesn’t have to be fruitless.

If ever our country has been given a wake-up call, an opportunity for introspection, this is it. It’s a wake-up call for the Democrats, who failed to recognize the power of the movement Trump had conjured, a movement that has been brewing throughout this diverse yet increasingly divided country for years. It’s a wake-up call for the media, who during the campaign covered Trump more like the businessman and reality star he was than a contender for the world’s highest office, holding him to a much lower standard than they did Clinton. It’s a wake-up call for those of us who lounged in our bubble at the onset of this election, certain of our impending victory over the “bad guy.” And, most of all, it’s a wake-up call for those Americans who did not vote yesterday, who took for granted their most powerful civil right, either because they were too busy playing Pokémon Go or they felt “both candidates were horrible,” which is the worst excuse ever.

Dare I say it, the election results are also a wake-up call for women and minority groups who, when you get down to it, could have done more for what should have been their cause. I wonder what the suffragists—who survived police brutality and imprisonment in order to get the 19th amendment passed—would say if they were alive today and learned that only 54 percent of women in this country backed Clinton. I’m not certain she was the best candidate the party could have selected. But I believe she is a good person with over-the-top credentials, a sharp and just mind, and an unsurpassed work ethic. The fact that her shortcomings were even compared to Trump’s outrageous faults was ludicrous.

But the wake-up call comes a little late. Now, what we must do is try to understand why even one woman in this country would decide to wear a “Make America Great Again” cap rather than ensure Roe v. Wade doesn’t get overthrown. We need to deconstruct how this election was as much about class as it was about gender and race. We need to understand how many folks in this country have not recovered from the 2008 economic crisis and feel more marginalized and scared than ever, and how Trump ruthlessly exploited that fear. We need to understand that, like it or not, many Americans think free trade has gone too far, that immigration threatens their livelihood, and that their families are slipping one rung at a time down the socioeconomic ladder. We need to understand that many people who lack political and economic power see politicians, journalists and the corporate elite as “the man” who will never offer them a seat at the table. And they are probably right.

Clinton was aware of these mass frustrations, but she underestimated them. Although I believe that, had she been elected, she would have done a better job fixing America’s inequalities than Trump will, in her campaign she took the wrong approach by adopting a “good reason will prevail” faith. She believed, as many of us did, that the American people would ultimately make the right decision. But what she really needed to do was strengthen her own message. She needed to stand for something people could relate to and cling to. She needed to portray herself as someone more than just “the one better than the other guy.”

Sure, she was the one with experience. The one who was appalled at the idea of building a wall between us and Mexico. The one who never called a woman a pig or made an unwanted sexual advance. If this election revealed anything, it’s that many people in this country don’t have the luxury of taking the high road because they are preoccupied with making their mortgage payments. They want someone who seems to understand them and can assure them the American dream is, somehow, still attainable. While we Democrats clung to our belief that “we are the emotionally intelligent ones,” Trump was the one truly connecting with people.

The problem is, we couldn’t imagine so many people would connect with hatred, violence, bigotry and misogyny. And the irony is that the very people Trump promised to help may never benefit from his presidency. The fact is, the richest people in this country are going to pay fewer taxes in a couple of months, and the gap between the haves and have-nots is going to widen. That’s why I wish Clinton had, during her campaign, stopped being a lady for five minutes and turned into a tigress. A tigress who could fiercely point out how Trump was duping everyone. Duping them by selling them a nostalgic America that cannot possibly be resurrected. Duping them by lacking any concrete plans to create jobs, fix healthcare or mend foreign policy. Duping them by pitting them against “insider” types that, really, are no different than him—except they live in Washington. One middle-class Trump supporter I know said she wasn’t voting for Hillary because she was a “snobby elitist.” As if this acquaintance expected Trump to invite her to dinner at Mar-A-Lago sometime soon.

At the Javits Center in Manhattan, Hillary’s campaign team had installed a figurative glass ceiling that Clinton was supposed to break after her victory Tuesday night. She never got a chance to shatter it, and I could only imagine the sadness and disappointment she felt as the last numbers rolled in. But this morning she was back, the lines on her face and the bags under her eyes perhaps a bit more pronounced, to concede the presidency. Although this speech came after Clinton’s worst failure, it was a highlight in her career. She was gracious, strong, composed. At once, lady and tigress. This morning, she was more passionate and authentic than she had ever been, expressing how painful the loss felt and admitting she had miscalculated how “deeply divided” the nation was. But her best moment was when she told young women that they should expect successes and setbacks in life, but should “never stop believing that fighting for what is right is worth it.”

As my daughter wrote in her essay, if you don’t ever fail, you aren’t trying hard enough. And if you don’t examine your mistakes and learn from them you are doomed. We are not doomed yet, America. But we must stop taking things for granted, and we must learn from this fiasco while we’ve still got Democracy on our side.

Finally! Spring fashions are starting to trickle into your favorite stores, just in time for warmer weather. Before you go shopping, here’s a breakdown of the top 10 looks that will be vying for your attention.

PHOTO COLLAGES BY INGA LIM.

Balenciaga and Alexander Wang

1. Bedtime Stories. Lingerie-inspired duds are all the rage this spring. From slip dresses in luxurious fabrics, to silky pantsuits that feel like your favorite PJs, these bedtime-worthy looks are comfy and sexy at the same time.

Oscar de la Renta and Alexander McQueen

2. Latin Love. Many designers have added Spanish sizzle to their collections. Look for fiery shades of red, tiered Flamenco ruffles and other fiesta-ready fashions.

Prabal Gurung and Nicole Miller

3. Cold Shoulders: As Donna Karan once said, if there’s one part of the body every woman feels comfortable flaunting, it’s her shoulders. This season offers many shoulder-baring options, from strapless and one-shoulder dresses and tops, to strategically placed cut-outs.

Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini and Erdem

4. Feminine Frocks: Pretty, lightweight fabrics and playful details are working their way into your warm-weather wardrobe. Nothing says “spring” more than a floral chiffon blouse or a sheer, flowing dress with sheer panels.

Tom Ford and Loewe

5. Flash Dance. Sequins and shiny finishes take center stage this season, for both day and night. Look for reflective leathers, lamé and crinkled silks—especially in futuristic silver.

Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana

6. Vintage Mashup. You’re no stranger to vintage. But this time around, designers encourage you to throw together a hodgepodge of trends from a variety of eras, concocting a retro style that’s all your own.

Stella McCartney and Emporio Armani

7. Sassy Stripes: Every spring, nautical stripes seem to make a reappearance. But these vertical visions are bolder than ever before, in unexpected color combos that suggest “circus” or “amusement park” more than “sailor girl.”

Chanel and Marques Almeida

8. Distinct Denim. By now, we all can appreciate that skinny jeans are taking a hiatus. But after a season of 1970s flares, watch for slouchy, high-waisted, ’90s-inspired denim. Patchwork details and floor-grazing skirts are especially on trend.

Valentino and Altuzarra

9. Dye Job. No longer just for T-shirts, tie-dye is the latest street trend to be revived on the runways. Expect to see a kaleidoscope of tie-dye seeping its way into everything from sexy evening dresses to silk blouses.

Wes Gordon and Victoria Beckham

10. Big Plaid: Designers are serving up supersize versions of this iconic print, infusing the look with fresh colors and larger, more abstract patterns. Finally, a slightly uppity classic rocks a decidedly downtown vibe.

We all know that kissing the right person feels exquisite. Your lips contain thousands of nerve endings (100 times more than your fingertips and many more than any—we mean any—other body part), so why wouldn’t it feel good? But scientists are discovering that kissing also has amazing effects on the brain.

According to Helen Fisher, author of Why We Love, this delicious activity stimulates all your senses, allowing you to smell, taste, hear, feel and even see your partner (although we hope you’ll eventually close your eyes). It also sends subtle communications to your brain via neurons that travel from your lips and tongue through cranial nerves. Once these messages reach your noggin, they’re processed into some delicious side effects.

Here are 5 ways kissing makes you happier, calmer and more connected to your partner.

1. Kissing induces pleasure and relaxation. It’s pretty clear that smooching boosts your pulse and blood pressure, dilates your pupils and deepens breathing. The whole thing is exciting, right? But what you may not know is that kissing also raises levels of oxytocin, the chemical associated with trust and attachment, and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. So you’re turned on and chill—a great combination.

2. Kissing reveals a lot about your lover. And we’re not just talking about how good of a kisser he is. As you lock lips with your partner, you unconsciously pick up signals about what he’s been eating, drinking or smoking. But did you know that you also collect important data about his genetic makeup? As it turns out, we’re naturally drawn to people with a slightly different immune system—Mother Nature’s way of producing genetic variety in our young. Most interesting: A woman’s breath and saliva change over her menstrual cycle, which means a kiss can broadcast the status of her fertility.

3. Kissing puts you in the mood. If you’re kissing a man, that is. A guy’s saliva is loaded with testosterone, so a guy may subconsciously initiate open-mouth kissing to transfer that libido-boosting hormone to their partner. The sloppier the kiss, the more of this sexy hormone he transmits. And, needless to say, the more skilled he is with his lips, the more you’re likely to fall into bed with him.

4. It’s the (almost) universally accepted love currency. About 90 percent of people around the world kiss as a sign of affection. And in those cultures where kisses are considered yucky, lovers still focus on the areas around or near the lips, blowing, licking, sucking or nipping on each other’s faces prior to copulation.

5. Kissing can bring you closer to your partner. If it’s a good kiss, that is. Fisher has interviewed thousands of people in love to learn that a passionate, tender, emotionally charged smooch is one of life’s most powerful bonding agents that can take a relationship to the next level. As you kiss, your body experiences a surge of the hormone oxytocin, which reduces stress and increases feelings of connectedness.

So what are you waiting for? Start smooching.