Charla Krupp has been in town this week promoting her new book, "How Not to Look Old." The No. 2 title on last Sunday's New York Times best-seller list in the advice and how-to category, it urges women to retain a youthful appearance with brightened teeth, highlighted hair (and bangs), hip (but not too young) clothes, high heels and soft, natural makeup. She doesn't believe in plastic surgery, by the way.

We caught up with Krupp, who doesn't tell her age, as she was getting a blow-out at Stan Milton Oasis on Pharr Road Monday night just before a cocktail party at the salon.

Q: Why is it important to not look old?

A: It's about having power in a society that treats unattractive people as invisible. If you look good, people pay attention to you. You can look better as you age.

Q: Are you prepared for criticism that such a philosophy sounds sort of sexist?

A: It's not the same for men. Men can go gray, go bald. They're not judged as harshly. We cannot afford to go gray. I'm not going to change the system. It's very empowering to beat the system.

Q: Was there a defining moment in your life when you suddenly felt old?

A: I was executive editor of Shop Etc. magazine. I was sitting around the conference table, talking about the holiday gift guide, and realized I could be the mother of all these kids.

Q: What's the most common image flaw?

A: One of the biggest mistakes women make is they haven't been bra-fitted in years and they're walking around in the wrong size bra.

Q: What about makeup?

A: Women have a tendency [the older they get] to pile on makeup when they should go lighter. What you want is this natural glow. In general you want to be soft and light. The painted lady look is not youthful.

Q: Is there one main thing women can do to add polish to their look?

A: No, unfortunately. Every detail counts. If you're wearing a great outfit and your hair looks great and then you're wearing these comfortable shoes, you've blown the whole look.

Q: What's in your purse right now?

A: I am the only person I know who still carries a Filofax. My husband just got me this iPhone. And I carry tons of makeup.