Beauty before age

In our beauty-crazed culture, where wrinkle-free faces dominate magazine covers, runways and red carpets, beauty is youth and youth beauty. But women with an enduring sense of style know that true beauty is ageless. We talked to three nonagenarians, each of whom has honed her own brand of panache and established a signature style. And while these local fashion mavens may not have discovered the fountain of youth, they have discovered how to look their best at any age.

Elsie Lorine Menser

Victoria, 94

Family: One son, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild and one Shih Tzu named Brittany.

Her style: Classic, with a twist. "I've always liked a little splash -- a scarf or a pin or animal print."

The outfit: Suit from Nordstrom, lace blouse from Dayton's, handbag from her granddaughters and ostrich boa from her mother.

In her handbag: Lano Lip, mirror and Kleenex.

Makeup routine: A little Coty loose powder, which she's used since high school, and eyebrow pencil. "I don't wear lipstick anymore because it looks grotesque on some older ladies," said Menser. "Be natural -- you look so much prettier."

Must wear: Pearls. "They're pure."

Don't be afraid of: Heels. "I used to wear much higher heels. Your ankles look so much better in them."

Wardrobe do: Capes. "They hide a multitude of sins."

Secrets to life: "Eat as naturally as you can, live as naturally as you can. Moderation in all things."

Role model: Her mother, who lived to be 101. "She taught me how to have good manners and how to love everyone. There's good in everyone and my mom always found the best."

Easy aging: Embrace your birthday. "I don't mind that I'm getting older -- I'm getting wiser," said Menser. "Your birthdays mean you're alive and ready for whatever new thing comes next."

Gert Weiner

St. Louis Park, 92

Family: Five kids,

10 grandchildren.

Fashion philosophy: "It's important that my outfits match and my house be straightened up. I'm not obsessive about it, but I've always been that way."

Signature accessories: Colorful costume jewelry, earrings and a watch.

Hair routine: Styled once a week, every three weeks for color. "It's important that I do as much as I can to keep myself as attractive as I can be," said Weiner.

Makeup musts: "Foundation, a little eye shadow, rouge and lipstick and then I'm off and going," Weiner said. "If I leave the house, I'm vain enough to try to look my best. I've never gone to the grocery store without makeup."

Beauty secret: "Cheap is better. I've never used expensive makeup. I've been using the same CoverGirl blush for years."

Can't do without: Heels. "I bought a pair of tennis shoes, and I'm still better off in a heel," said Weiner. "I'm more comfortable. I can't wear a flat."

Accentuate the positive: "I've always worn a lot of belts. I had a small waistline, so I showed it off."

Modesty rules: "I don't think I've felt beautiful," she said. "I have felt good, but I keep it to myself."

Best advice: Family comes first. "I have wonderful children and son-in-laws who treat me like a queen. They're pretty terrific kids," she said. "I have no complaints, believe me."

Grace Roepke

Shorewood, 93

Family: Two kids, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The outfit: Jones New York Sweater and necklace and bracelet by Sequin New York.

Fashion philosophy: "We didn't have very much when I was growing up, so I wasn't able to purchase new clothes," she said. "My mom was an excellent seamstress and would sew me the most beautiful clothes, including gloves. She taught me that even if you don't have much money, you can take pride in your appearance and choose to dress well."

Signature accessory: "I love shoes."

Makeup musts: Estée Lauder Projectionist High Definition Volume Mascara, Clinique High Impact Eye Shadow in neutral colors and Rouge Dior Lipstick. "I don't let anyone see me without makeup."

Best compliment: After showing up for a dinner in a St. John skirt and jacket trimmed in gold, "a woman told me I looked like I had stepped out of Vogue magazine."

Dress-up don't: Blue jeans. "I do have jeans, but I just wear them around the house. I don't think women my age should be wearing them out."

Favorite indulgence: Pedicures and manicures once a month. "I do my nails myself in between," she said. "I always look at people's hands."

Style Icon: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

All-time favorite store: The old Dayton's Southdale. "It was so much fun walking in there."

Best advice: "Keep busy, stay very social, stay as physically active as possible, travel, use your brain by playing bridge or reading and maintain a positive attitude," she said. "I entertain, cook, pay my own bills, play bridge, exercise and hit golf balls. You look as good as you feel, so please do everything you can to feel wonderful."

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177